GPS tags cut offending by prolific Sussex shoplifters by nearly 60 per cent, evaluation finds
Independent review says the tagging and rehabilitation scheme could prevent around 300 offences a year
A scheme that fits GPS tags to prolific shoplifters in Sussex has significantly cut their offending, an independent evaluation has found.
The review of Operation STOP found that tagged offenders committed substantially fewer offences after being fitted with a tag, with some stopping altogether.
The evaluation was carried out by the Centre for Public Innovation.
Operation STOP was launched in East Sussex in summer 2025 and combines GPS tagging, imposed as a condition of Criminal Behaviour Orders, with tailored rehabilitation support.
It is led by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, working with Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council, the Probation Service, Change Grow Live and the Co-op.
The initial pilot used 10 GPS tags, and its success led to the scheme expanding across the whole of Sussex in May 2026, with capacity now for 30 tags across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
Since the first tag was fitted in September 2025, 16 Criminal Behaviour Orders with GPS tagging conditions have been authorised.
Six offenders are still wearing tags, with a further 12 cases awaiting court hearings.
According to the independent evaluation, all eight tagged offenders included in the initial analysis reduced their offending, with five committing no further offences after being tagged.
One prolific offender has remained offence-free since October 2025.
The analysis found there were around 11 to 13 fewer offences committed per person after tagging, an overall reduction of about 58 per cent.
Based on average offending rates before and after tagging, the evaluation estimates around 300 offences will be prevented over a 12-month period, saving about £100,000 in associated costs to police and the wider criminal justice system.
Partners involved described "a dramatic fall" in offences and an "undeniable drop in offending".
Katy Bourne said: "We know that a few offenders cause the most crime when it comes to shop theft.
"These results show that our innovative approach of using GPS tagging for prolific offenders can make a dramatic difference in keeping our high streets safer.
"Operation STOP is reducing reoffending, supporting police investigations and giving retailers renewed confidence that action is being taken.
"As we continue to expand the pilot phase across Sussex, we are still learning – developing a better understanding of who engages well, where challenges arise and how we can provide the right support.
"We are working with a group of individuals who often have multiple and complex needs, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
"We recently had one individual voluntarily request to have a GPS tag fitted, as they were being exploited by others to commit offences on their behalf and they wanted that to stop.
"The results of the project evaluation so far are extremely encouraging, indicating that this approach has strong potential to protect local businesses and address the root causes of persistent offending."
The project has also given Sussex Police additional intelligence, with GPS data helping to identify previously unknown offences and supporting targeted activity against prolific offenders.
Matt Pratley, Colleague Safety and Wellbeing Manager at Co-op, said: "Effective police partnerships coupled with our investment in wide-ranging safety and security measures and increased police attendance, contributed to the more than 20% reduction in overall retail crime seen at Co-op year on year – a trend we continue to see in 2026."
"By targeting prolific offenders, its focus on reducing repeat offending, supporting police investigations and improving monitoring and enforcement, sends a loud and clear message that retail crime is not acceptable and supports our shared commitment of backing local high streets and communities."
Tackling the root causes
A key feature of Operation STOP is its focus on rehabilitation alongside enforcement.
The project includes a dedicated Business Crime Navigator role delivered by Change Grow Live and co-funded by Southern Co-op, the Probation Service and East Sussex County Council.
The Navigator provides personalised support to offenders, helping them access housing, healthcare, substance misuse services, benefits and employment support.
The evaluation found strong support for the role among partners, with participants reporting they felt better supported and more able to access services that could help them move away from offending.
One participant described the support by saying: "It's nice to have someone batting for you… there is always someone in your corner."
Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health at East Sussex County Council, said: "Operation STOP is an important opportunity to reduce drug and alcohol related offending and its impact on individuals, local businesses and the wider community."
Thea Hendrick, Registered Services Manager at CGL East Sussex STAR Drug and Alcohol Service, said: "Operation STOP brings together enforcement and rehabilitation in a way that delivers real impact.
"Alongside policing activity, CGL is committed to providing tailored support that helps individuals move away from offending and towards more stable, healthier lives."
Katherine Williams, Commissioning and Partnerships Manager at Kent, Surrey and Sussex Probation Service, said: "KSS Probation Service is pleased to be working in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Local Authority, and Southern Co-op to tackle business crime and deliver better outcomes for individuals, businesses, and communities.
"This collaborative approach will act as a vital early intervention, supporting people on probation to move away from the criminal justice system and towards positive, rehabilitative outcomes."
Katy Bourne said: "The Business Crime Navigator is ensuring those who want to change are given the help they need.
"This is a smart, practical and compassionate approach to breaking the cycle of shop theft."