Shoppers and businesses in Warwick and Leamington will see increased police patrols and local action to take town centre crime this summer, as the new Government launches a major blitz to support safer high streets.  

Over 500 towns, including Warwick and Leamington have signed up to the Home Secretary's Safer Streets summer blitz that will see shops benefit from increased police patrols and local action to tackle town centre crime and anti-social behaviour.  

In the year ending December 2024, there were 3,582 shoplifting offences in Warwickshire - an increase of 28 percent on the previous year. 

 The summer blitz plans include increased visible town centre policing and ramping up the use of targeted enforcement powers against troublemakers – including banning perpetrators from hotspots.

The summer initiative will also support young people, making sure there are activities across the 500 towns, including Warwick and Leamington, for young people throughout the holidays.

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: "High streets and town centres are the very heart of our communities. Residents and businesses have the right to feel safe in their towns.

"But the last government left a surge in shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour, which has left too many town centres feeling abandoned. 

"It's time to turn this round, that's why I have called on police forces and councils to work together to deliver a summer blitz on town centre crime, to send a clear message to those people who bring misery to our towns that their crimes will no longer go unpunished enforcement powers against troublemakers – including banning perpetrators from hotspots."

On Warwick and Leamington signing up to the initiative, local Matt Western MP commented: "This action is hugely welcome and it is encouraging to see both Warwick and Leamington will be included. 

We should all be able to enjoy our high streets and for them to be places we want to be, and this will play an important role in addressing some of the crime we see on our high streets too frequently. 

It is also welcome news for shopkeepers who too often find themselves victims of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

They, like all of us, deserve to feel safe at work.