Conservative Councillors Chris Wardle and Alison Andrew have joined forces with Thames Valley Police Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber to confront the growing issue of retail crime and anti-social behaviour affecting Newport Pagnell’s high street.
Retail crime has become a recurring concern in councillor casework and at town council meetings, with many local businesses reporting increases in shoplifting and disturbances. While these issues are not new, the frequency and severity have escalated, leaving shop owners frustrated, anxious, and under strain.
After hearing directly from affected retailers, listening to town councillors and PCSOs, Cllrs Wardle and Andrew secured a meeting with PCC Matthew Barber. They toured the high street, listened to first-hand experiences, and began mapping out a stronger, coordinated response.
Cllr Chris Wardle said:
“These businesses are the heartbeat of Newport Pagnell, and they’ve had enough. Some of them are facing theft daily — it’s not just about financial loss, it’s the mental toll of never feeling secure. That’s why I brought this issue to the PCC personally. We had an honest, constructive conversation with Town Councillors about CCTV coverage, visibility of policing, and how we can better support our shop owners. I was encouraged by the PCC’s clear commitment and his team’s action so far.”
Thames Valley Police have already made progress. Since implementing a focused approach to retail crime, shoplifting charges across the force area have risen by 98%. Out of the top 20 most prolific offenders in Milton Keynes, 12 are currently imprisoned and the remaining 8 are awaiting sentencing. These results are proof that when intelligence, local insight, and enforcement come together, real impact follows.
The visit also focused on promoting the use of DISC — a free crime-reporting and information-sharing app for businesses. The app enables retailers to quickly flag incidents, share offender profiles, and stay informed about criminal activity in their area. Over 1,500 businesses across Thames Valley have signed up.
Cllr Alison Andrew added:
“We are lucky to have such a dedicated and innovative PCC in Matthew. The DISC app is a great tool to support retailers in identifying and reporting shoplifters. The big increase in arrests and prosecution of shoplifters, as well as his securing funding for another 68 police officers, show his commitment to tackling the issues important to residents and retailers alike. Our group in council is fully committed to supporting and working with the police and Matthew across all of Milton Keynes.”
The councillors stressed that community safety is not just a police matter — it’s a shared responsibility between elected representatives, local authorities, and residents.
Their visit marks the start of a longer-term collaboration to reduce retail crime, restore confidence on the high street, and ensure that Newport Pagnell remains a welcoming, safe place for businesses and customers alike.
