Croydon Council proposes GPS tags for repeat shoplifters

Croydon Council is exploring a pilot scheme to fit GPS ankle tags on repeat shoplifters, barring them from entering parts of the borough. The proposal follows nearly 4,800 reported thefts in Croydon town centre over the past year. Executive Mayor Jason Perry said the technology could act as a deterrent, but funding for the scheme remains unconfirmed.

Why the scheme is being considered

The council’s proposal comes after discussions with Sussex Police, which trialled a similar scheme earlier this year. In East Sussex, two prolific offenders, Barry Farthing and Victoria Hale, were ordered to wear GPS tags for 12 months and avoid areas containing supermarkets. Croydon Council has also met with the Metropolitan Police and technology providers, but no formal agreement has been reached.

Perry said the scheme would send a clear message to offenders. "If you come to Croydon to steal, you should expect consequences," he said, as reported by *The Standard*. He added that shoplifting harms businesses, drives up prices for customers, and leaves staff facing intimidation. The council describes the approach as "zero-tolerance," aiming to protect local retailers.

Businesses back tougher action

Local retailers have welcomed the proposal. Benedict Selvaratnam, managing director of Freshfields Market in Croydon and co-founder of the Croydon Business Association, said persistent thefts create financial strain and affect staff morale. "Many businesses feel frustrated when the same individuals return repeatedly," he said. Selvaratnam supports the use of GPS tagging as a deterrent for repeat offenders.

What happens next

The council has not yet secured funding for the pilot scheme. It is unclear when, or if, the proposal will move forward. If approved, the scheme would require cooperation with the Metropolitan Police and technology providers. No timeline has been set for a decision, and residents have not yet been invited to comment on the plans.