Tensions ran high at Haslemere’s Policing Our Community meeting, as frustrated business owners slammed rising shoplifting, limited police presence, and cumbersome crime reporting processes. Police Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend also came under fire for what attendees said were dismissive responses.
As both the town’s mayor and a local business owner, Councillor Oliver Leach highlighted the heavy toll theft takes. “With rising costs, any theft is a huge blow to shop owners,” said Leach. “Shoplifting is a big problem in our town, and reporting these crimes is a long and frustrating process. Policing in our town could be more proactive, but since the meeting, I’ve noticed a PCSO in the area, which is a positive step.
Stuart Warren, owner of The Ark Stores for nearly 14 years, suffered a spate of shoplifting incidents in December. Thieves stole more than £3,000 worth of stock in just two weeks.
“The thieves just kept coming back,” he said. “Luckily, they could only access the shed, not the whole shop. It’s disheartening, but I try to stay positive. The police have been communicative, but more officers walking the streets would make a big difference. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”
Lucy Page, senior sales assistant at Collingwood Batchellor, revealed how brazen shoplifters have become. “One even asked me for an expensive product while stealing from us,” she said. “I made her empty her bag, and thanks to my report and our CCTV, she’s been caught and sentenced.
“But reporting these crimes is ridiculously time-consuming. How are they ever going to catch anyone? Shoplifters see Haslemere as a soft touch, and it’s not. We’ve had to create a WhatsApp group among local businesses to warn each other about thieves. It irks me that during their so-called ‘walkabout,’ police didn’t even step into a single shop. I just want more of a presence. It’s getting to the point where I view every customer as a potential thief, and that’s not how I want to work.”
Leach noted: “Our community and business owners are passionate, and I think the police were surprised by the level of emotion at the meeting. They likely assumed Haslemere was a quiet, problem-free town, but they left knowing they have much more work to do. Right now, they’re firefighting the issue rather than solving the problem.”
Surrey Police acknowledged the concerns raised. Borough Commander Inspector Rob Brian committed to improving support for businesses, promising closer collaboration with retail staff and the Haslemere Chamber of Commerce. Plans include better sharing of intelligence, streamlined reporting processes, and enhanced crime prevention advice.
In a statement, Surrey Police recognised the impact of shoplifting on local businesses and the broader community. “We’re committed to supporting victims and tackling offenders. Recruitment challenges and high call volumes have affected response times, but we’re working to address this through new technology, continued recruitment, and improved operations at our contact centre.”