One example of this approach is a new crime intelligence platform named Auror, which allows retailers to report directly to the police to tackle prolific shoplifting.
Hertfordshire Constabulary, one of three forces now using Auror, was able to arrest two shoplifters at a retail park in Stevenage thanks to the tool.
The men were linked to dozens of thefts from Boots stores across the country.
Similar information sharing is key to the work of Partnerships Against Business Crime in Staffordshire, which provides updates on known offenders to registered retailers.
Paul Greenhough, who manages the scheme, said: “I think unfortunately it has become partly accepted that stores are going to lose things.
“For us, it’s about saying, ‘No, that’s not acceptable – we need to do something about it’.”
From a government perspective, Jones said a slight year-on-year drop in recorded shoplifting crimes indicated the country had “turned that corner”.
But she added: “We all know there is a lot further that we need to go and a lot more we need to do.”
Additional reporting by Clodagh Stenson, Nicola Rees, Lee Bottomley and Tony Fisher
