- The Government has launched a new crime initiative, dubbed a 'blitz', to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour by increasing Police presence.
- Over 500 towns across England and Wales have signed up for the Home Office's 'safer streets summer initiative', which will run until 30 September.
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the aim is to restore public confidence in policing and ensure residents and businesses feel safe, citing a previous 'surge' in crime.
- The plan includes a £200 million investment this year to recruit thousands of new neighbourhood policing officers, ensuring every area has named contactable officers.
- The initiative responds to a significant rise in shoplifting, with Police recording half a million offences in England and Wales last year, a 20% increase from 2023.
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