A revolutionary AI-powered crime reporting platform has launched in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to help businesses combat shop theft, with over 120 firms already signed up to the system.
The innovative UKPAC platform employs sophisticated artificial intelligence technology to analyse criminal behaviour patterns, enabling officers to identify habitual offenders more efficiently and gather stronger evidence for swifter prosecutions targeting retail crime.
Over 120 enterprises across both counties have already enrolled in the programme, including Frasers Group, owner of Sports Direct, which hosted the system’s official launch at its Whiteley Shopping Centre outlet.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has provided substantial backing for the initiative, allocating £177,548 in funding to ensure businesses throughout the region can utilise UKPAC without charge until April 2026.
Jones stated this gives enterprises an effective, proactive resource for rapid crime reporting, whilst the platform’s Crime Hub assists police in monitoring offenders, sharing intelligence and bringing persistent shop thieves before the courts. A recent Portsmouth pilot programme led to 58 habitual criminals being prosecuted using comprehensive evidence from over 900 recorded offences.
Rising Retail Crime Statistics
The British Retail Consortium Crime Survey 2025 revealed that merely 10 per cent of retail crime reaches police attention, leaving thousands of thefts and incidents without consequences. The research showed shoplifting has continued its sharp upward trajectory from the previous year, with 20.4 million incidents documented (a 22 per cent increase), resulting in £2.2 billion losses for businesses (up 21 per cent).
Despite Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary delivering the nation’s most effective police response to retail crime, incidents in both counties rose 14.8 per cent in the year ending December 2024, climbing from 13,705 to 15,743 cases.
How the Platform Functions
The system provides enterprises with a secure online crime reporting tool that remains straightforward to operate whilst maintaining full compliance with data protection regulations. Using advanced technology and artificial intelligence, it monitors criminal behaviour patterns to help officers identify repeat criminals and collect evidence for rapid response.
UKPAC’s independent crime intelligence centre monitors habitual offenders across both counties and beyond, connecting crime reports and returning information to police with supporting evidence for court submissions. This saves thousands of police deployments whilst eliminating retailers’ need to telephone 101 for crime reporting.
The platform will offer retailer support including crime prevention guidance, civil prosecution assistance, and dedicated Business Crime Liaison Officers to enhance communication between enterprises and police.
Vehicle collides with wall on A27 in Fareham
Official Support
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones commented: “Shop theft impacts retailers throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Shoplifting offences have increased annually with most incidents carried out by repeat criminals who target shops daily, leaving businesses feeling powerless whilst constantly fighting to protect stock and staff.
“This represents my largest investment to date in tackling retail crime. UKPAC provides businesses with straightforward crime reporting whilst giving police the evidence needed to apprehend offenders and bring them before courts. It reduces police deployment time, eliminates shopkeepers’ need to ring 101 for every incident, allows them to submit evidence directly, and provides automatic updates when offenders face justice.”
Chief Inspector Marcus Cator said: “Many shoplifting incidents and related criminality go unreported to police by our retail communities. Even when reported, adequate evidence isn’t always available for effective police action.
“Over the past year, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has collaborated with UKPAC to enhance our joint service, resulting in 58 repeat Portsmouth offenders being prosecuted using detailed evidence from over 900 crimes. Courts have supported strong sentences, significantly reducing these offenders’ criminal activity.”
UKPAC Chairman Gareth Lewis added: “We’re proud to work alongside Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones on this progressive initiative addressing business crime in Hampshire. Business crime impact extends beyond financial loss, affecting staff morale, customer confidence and community safety. By improving incident reporting and evidence sharing, we can support police in taking faster, more targeted action.”
Further details about UKPAC and its benefits for Hampshire and Isle of Wight businesses are available at www.uk-pac.com.
