A new forum has been launched to take a stand against the rising retail crime, bringing together businesses and authorities to find solutions.

The Hertfordshire Retail Crime Forum was held on June 13 and was led by Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards.

Retailers such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's attended the forum. Retailers such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's attended the forum. (Image: Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire) More than 100 attendees, including representatives from major chains and independent retailers, gathered to discuss ways to address shoplifting, business crime and assaults on retail staff.

Mr Ash-Edwards said: "Retail crime is unacceptable and is having a significant impact on our shops, retail workers and town centres.

"Hertfordshire police record around 28 cases of shop theft or robbery every day. For many independent retailers, the impact of shop theft feels really personal."

Major retailers including B&Q, Boots, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose were present at the forum, alongside representatives from business groups, local councils, and shopping centre teams.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet also spoke at the event, which was held at Tesco’s headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.

He said: "In Hertfordshire last year we had around 100,000 crimes and 10,000 of those were shop theft and retail crime.

"If we concentrate on these people, where they are operating and we work with the people who are affected, then we can make a difference."