More than 1,500 businesses using crime reporting app

The Disc app was launched a year ago to help tackle retail crime and has since registered 1,758 incidents.

It was rolled out free of charge as part of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner’s retail crime strategy.

The app, which is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, allows businesses to share information about criminal activity, submit reports of incidents, and view galleries of offenders.

It serves as an alternative to calling 101 for non-emergency crimes.

The app is available to businesses in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Milton Keynes and can be used for retail, night-time economy, or anti-social behaviour schemes.

The information shared on the app aids Thames Valley Police in enforcing action against offenders and has contributed to an increase in shoplifting convictions.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said: “This app has been a key part of my retail crime strategy to make reporting shoplifting and the sharing of information easier for retailers and has been a great success.

“I encourage businesses to join and to make full use of the app so more criminals can be brought to justice and retail staff can be protected.

“Maximising member participation is essential for successful crime reduction schemes.”