Police and retailers unite to tackle retail crime through reporting platform Auror

Hertfordshire Constabulary is enhancing its response to retail crime through Auror, a crime intelligence platform accessible to retailers on desktop and mobile devices.

Auror enables large retailers to report non-violent crime, such as shoplifting, to police in a structured and consistent way. This provides officers with access to high‑quality evidence and intelligence to support the investigation of retail and more serious crime.

The platform has two core functions. The first allows retailers to report crimes directly to police, uploading images of offenders or vehicles, witness statements and CCTV footage. The second is a crime intelligence function that uses artificial intelligence to link incidents together and build profiles of repeat offenders.

Superintendent Jamie Fowler said: “Auror helps us support large retailers by giving them a platform to securely share information with us.

“The system empowers retailers to take an active role in tackling crime on their premises, and the intelligence they provide enables us to take faster, more targeted action against those responsible.

“Auror is particularly valuable in helping us combat organised crime groups that repeatedly target retailers. We are already seeing the benefits. Most recently, the Stevenage Neighbourhood Policing Team used Auror to address retail crime affecting the town, as well as other locations across Hertfordshire and the UK. This resulted in two men being charged with conspiracy to commit theft in connection with more than 40 shopliftings from multiple Boots stores across England and Wales, including Stevenage and London Colney.

“Stock worth approximately £190,000 was stolen during 43 thefts reported between 16 January 2026 and 2 April 2026. Using Auror, Boots were able to collate a significant amount of useful information, which helped us to arrest and charge the two men.

“Ultimately, the software helps us build stronger cases for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and I would encourage retailers to use Auror to report non-violent crimes such as shoplifting.

“Other types of incidents should continue to be reported through our traditional channels, including our online crime reporting form at herts.police.uk/report or by calling our non-emergency number, 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have supported this initiative, working closely with retailers and the Constabulary in implementing Auror across the county. 

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire said, "Through my retail crime forum held last summer, retailers were clear that they wanted stronger partnership working, easier ways to report offences and more action against repeat offenders. Auror delivers on that feedback, helping to make our town centres safer. It sends a clear signal to organised criminals that Hertfordshire will not tolerate retail crime.  

"While many larger retailers are able to fund Auror themselves, I've also made funding available for smaller and independent businesses to use a similar innovative system, ShopSafe, ensuring no local business is left out in the fight against retail crime."

Any large retailers wishing to use the Auror platform should visit the Auror website. Any local business who would like to know more about the support from the Police and Crime Commissioner, should contact the PCC via email.