MERSEYSIDE Police has implemented Operation Dale across the force in an innovative approach to tackling retail crime that is delivering faster justice for victims, reducing demand on officers and helping police target wider criminality linked to prolific offenders.

The new model streamlines prosecutions by making the process of gathering evidence entirely digital, reducing unnecessary investigative steps in cases where there is already sufficient evidence to support a charging decision.  This removes the need to interview suspects where there is overwhelming evidence.  This has enabled faster justice for victims, improved efficiency within investigative teams and a more effective use of policing resources. 

Following a successful pilot in Liverpool BCU in February 2026, Operation Dale has already demonstrated significant benefits. Early results show that the Prosecution Without Interview Process (PWI) reduces the average time from custody arrival to charge by seven hours, while achieving consistently early guilty pleas at court. The Crown Prosecution Service has also reported no issues with cases submitted through the process. Financial savings are also being made meaning public money is being used more effectively to tackle crime.

The operation allows retailers to upload evidence of offences using CCTV with offenders clearly identified and digital witness statements provided by retail workers giving officers corroborating evidence ensuring the case meets national charging criteria.

Detective Inspector Neil Dillon and Detective Sergeant Mark Pedder worked on developing the process to bring efficiency to the force which ensures officers time is freed up to go back out to tackle other crimes.  

Detective Inspector Neil Dillon said:- “Operation Dale has transformed the way we tackle retail crime. By making better use of digital technology and streamlining investigations where the evidence is clear, we are bringing offenders to justice faster and freeing up officers to focus on protecting our communities. The impact extends far beyond retail theft. Many prolific shoplifters are linked to burglary, drug-related crime, anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls (VAWG). By targeting these offenders more efficiently, we are preventing further harm and delivering better outcomes for victims, businesses and the wider public."

Operation Dale builds on successful approaches already adopted in a few forces across the country, adding a now fully electronic process incorporated into Prosecution Without Interview (PWI).

Detective Sergeant Mark Pedder said:- "It’s about working smarter while maintaining the highest investigative standards. The operation has shown that we can significantly reduce the time suspects spend in custody and achieve positive court outcomes without compromising the quality of our investigations. Each hour saved allows officers to focus on other priorities and support communities more effectively."

Sergeant Sarah Jenkins, Neighbourhood Crime Support, Wirral said:-  “The difference for our officers has been huge, as previously investigators spent hours carrying out interviews and collecting evidence.  Now we can send officers back out into the community quicker targeting offenders, safeguarding vulnerable people and benefitting victims and communities more effectively."

With Operation Dale, officers follow a clear process involving evidence gathering, supervisory review and submission through the NICE system before progressing suitable cases for charge without interview. Considerations such as PACE searches and drug testing remain in place where appropriate.

As the operation continues to expand, it is already saving time and efficiently charging offenders and putting them through the courts, within days when previously this would have taken considerably longer, most recently: -

  • Terri-Ann Williams, 42, of Bridge Street, Birkenhead, was charged with 13 offences at multiple shops across Merseyside and was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison.   
  • Callan Bennett, 38, of Botanic Road, Wavertree, was charged with 27 shoplifting offences in multiple shops across Merseyside and is currently on remand awaiting sentence.

 
If you see a retail worker being spoken to in an abusive way or any kind of physical abuse please contact security staff in the retail outlet and never put yourself at risk.

You can report crime at Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also report information via their website or call:- 101. 

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111, or via their website here. In an emergency always call:- 999.