SaBA Week 2025 resulted in over 1000 arrests for retail crime
Safer Business Action Week 2025, organised National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) operated by The City of London Police, has resulted in over 1100 people being arrested for retail crime offences by police forces across the UK and that number is expected to rise as more forces report their results.
With updates from 32 forces in England and Wales plus British Transport Police (BTP), we have collected a range of successful data, with over 160 days of activity, 1400 events, 4200 police officers and staff deployed and just under 7000 businesses and partners engaged with. Throughout this more than 1100 arrests were made, as well as 650 charges.
Thames Valley Police reported 193 of these arrests, a significant proportion of the national total and a clear sign of the force’s proactive stance against retail crime. They also recorded 433 retail engagements throughout the week and 281 SaBA events, bringing the force’s total dedicated retail engagements to 714
Greater Manchester Police visited 1,141 stores, offering reassurance, crime-prevention advice, and support to staff and made 99 arrests as part of their proactive operation. Kent Police made 94 arrests and visited over 400 retail outlets throughout the week.
NBCC lead Supt Lisa Maslen commented: “This year’s results show not only strong operational outcomes, but also a clear commitment to supporting retailers, protecting staff, and reassuring the public. As more forces report their activity, the picture of SaBA Week 2025 continues to grow, but one thing is already clear, this year’s coordinated effort has delivered meaningful results, strengthened partnerships, and set a new standard for tackling business crime across the UK.
“The week wasn’t just about policing, it was a partnership week of action involving Business Improvement Districts, Business Crime Reduction Partnerships and private security all working together to tackle crimes impacting businesses in their communities. Thank you to everyone involved in the week for their commitment and support."
Retailers and police shared intelligence on prolific offenders, crime trends, and local threats, allowing teams to respond quickly and effectively.
Forces focused on organised retail crime groups, violence against shopworkers, and repeat shoplifters, leading to hundreds of arrests nationwide.
From practical crime-prevention advice to reassurance and welfare checks, the week emphasised the vital role of front-line retail workers and the need to protect them.
Police engagement with both staff and the public helped reinforce safer shopping environments and stronger community relationships.
SaBA Week is more than a five-day operation, it's a national commitment to supporting businesses, reducing harm, and ensuring retail spaces remain welcoming and safe. The scale of engagement and enforcement seen in 2025 demonstrates an ongoing dedication across police forces to combatting business crime in all its forms.
