Overview

• At its second quarterly meeting, High Streets UK outlined four urgent demands for government action on rising crime in flagship shopping areas.
• The retail consortium is calling for dedicated funding in the upcoming spending review to boost police numbers around key high streets like Oxford Street.
• Members want immediate jail terms for breaches of criminal behaviour orders and faster sentencing for retail-related offences to deter repeat offenders.
• High Streets UK is urging creation of a national framework for businesses to report organised crime and measures to tackle cross-border gangs and begging rings.
• London’s West End accounts for about 3 percent of the capital’s economic activity, highlighting the potential impact on jobs, tourism and investment.