News Former prolific shoplifters use lived experience to help combat retail crime
Three former prolific shoplifters shared their invaluable insights into security measures and products to prevent retail crime during an enlightening partnership event hosted by Nottinghamshire Police.
James, Nick, and Jack have managed to turn their backs on offending and drugs with the help of Nottinghamshire Police’s Open 2 Recovery (O2R) scheme.
Using their own lived experience and expert knowledge, the trio gave their advice and perspectives on shop security solutions and scenarios which were demonstrated and shown to them at our Sherwood Lodge headquarters.
The highly informative session included a live demonstration of a fog generator provided by security product manufacturer and innovator Smoke Screen, whose representatives were keen to get feedback on which measures our O2R scheme advocates felt would have deterred them most from stealing goods, as well as getting their first-hand insight into any improvements which could be made.
James, Nick, and Jack gave insights into how they would have reacted in the different scenarios they were presented with, as well as lifting the lid on their own decision-making processes, with this feedback being used to help shape potential effective retail crime prevention solutions in Nottinghamshire and beyond.
Other attendees at our collaborative event, which was held on Wednesday 25 February, included officers from our Prevention Hub and Helen Clayton, founder and director of Solstice Risk Advisory, who supports Smoke Screen and advises businesses on tackling retail crime.
The programme is part-funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, with other funding providers including Probation.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “Shoplifting has a real and lasting impact on retailers, their staff and our communities, and tackling it remains a clear priority.
“If we are to reduce it consistently, we must break the cycle of repeat offending by addressing the addiction and trauma that often sit behind it.
“Jack’s journey from being one of the most prolific shoplifters in the city centre to rebuilding his life and reconnecting with his family shows exactly why investing in long-term rehabilitation alongside enforcement is so important for creating safer communities.”
Inspector Sam Birch said: “It was so beneficial for us to hear and learn from the feedback given by James, Nick, and Jack through their own lived experience and expertise, helping to identify effective methods to combat retail crime.
"Working closely with our partners is key to our approach to tackling business and retail crime all year around.
"This important work not only involves us engaging with our local businesses but also with security suppliers like Smoke Screen who work with retailers to deliver crime prevention solutions.
“This is just part of our ongoing work to protect our businesses, their staff, and members of the public from the damage caused by shop theft and to boost public confidence in our ability to protect our communities.”
Smoke Screen has also donated to our O2R project whose key aims include reducing crime, making communities and businesses safer, and rehabilitating prolific offenders who are entrenched in substance use and are causing harm to communities through chaotic lifestyle choices.
Our scheme uses problem-solving methodology and a trauma-informed approach to reduce reoffending by tackling the underlying root causes of why offenders commit crime.
It involves police working closely with partner agencies to offer targeted wraparound support to individuals with complex needs, including accessing mental health, learning, and other key support services, to help them turn their lives around and maintain their long-term recovery.
At Wednesday’s event James, Nick, and Jack also spoke openly about their own personal journeys and the help they have all received through our O2R scheme.
James said: “I was in such a broken place – I have no doubt that I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the O2R programme.
"It has enabled me to turn something that was toxic into something good and it has given me a purpose.”
Jack, who at one time was among the top five shoplifting offenders in the city centre, has since been able to re-connect with his family since turning his back on crime and getting clean of drugs helped by continuous support through O2R.
He was previously made subject of a criminal behaviour order which he said stopped him from shoplifting.
Jack, who was recently given the keys to his first flat as he continues his recovery, said: “Since getting clean, getting purpose back in my life, and getting to know myself, it is the ‘Jack before the addiction’ that has come back.”
Nick was referred to our life-changing O2R scheme after he was arrested in 2023 following a spate of shop thefts.
“I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for O2R. I was just existing for many years. I’ve started living again and the project has given me that lifeline,” he said.