Police make film to deter pupils from petty theft

A new short film made by West Midlands Police is set to be shown in schools across the region to help deter pupils from petty theft and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

It will form part of a wider campaign and demonstrate the harm theft and ASB can have on local businesses, and how it can also escalate into more serious crime.

In May, the BBC reported that recorded shoplifting had risen by 30.2% with 31,620 offences in the 12 months to March 2025, up from 24,295 in 2024.

Jacqui Every, Business Crime Officer for West Midlands Police, said the force wanted the film to be a "prevention tool" that could be used in schools to "make young people think twice about committing crimes."

"Although there is a lot of problem-solving activity happening, when it comes to disrupting the cycle of shop theft, talking to young people about this topic is difficult, as it's often seen as a petty or victimless crime," Every said.

She added that the idea had come from how the force had seen the damage that shop theft and ASB had on businesses in the region, especially on small, independent businesses.

The force have partnered with the Midlands-based CleverCherry, a digital agency to "create a storyline and film that is engaging for a younger audience”.

The film was recorded at a supermarket in Warwickshire and featured two young actors.

Jess Twigg, Digital Marketing Assistant at Clevercherry, said the company was hopeful the storyline would "genuinely connect and make an impact on young people".

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