Corsi stressed the necessity of ring-fenced funding for policing in the upcoming spending review to ensure the protection of high streets.

The group demands immediate action from the government to recognize the importance of these shopping areas and provide dedicated police resources.

Oxford Street has transitioned from a major shopping destination to a location increasingly known for theft and petty crime, underscoring the urgent need for action.

High Streets UK, representing 5,000 businesses across the UK, is demanding dedicated funding for police to protect key shopping areas.

Dee Corsi, chair of High Streets UK, emphasized the economic significance of these areas, which generate over £50 billion annually and are crucial for tourism and community stability.

The West End of London, which includes Oxford Street, contributes 3% to the capital's economic activity but is currently suffering from underfunding in policing.

Retailers are urgently calling for national action to combat rising crime on flagship high streets, particularly on London's Oxford Street, which has seen an alarming increase in theft and petty crime.

Corsi pointed out that the underfunding of police has led to serious issues, including anti-social behavior and organized crime in high street areas.

In 2024, police recorded over 500,000 shoplifting incidents, highlighting the growing issue of retail crime that affects these vital shopping districts.

High Streets UK has proposed specific measures to address these challenges, including increased police presence, immediate jail terms for breaches of criminal behavior orders, and expedited sentencing for retail-related crimes.

The organization is also advocating for national strategies to combat organized crime, including begging gangs, and for a framework to help businesses report crime effectively.

Recently, High Streets UK held a forum to discuss experiences with international criminal gangs and the urgent need for better resources to tackle these challenges.