Honouring the Frontline of Crime Prevention: National Acquisitive Crime Awards 2025 Celebrate Outstanding Contributions Across the UK

On Tuesday 8 July, more than 100 professionals gathered at the Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre for the National Acquisitive Crime Awards 2025, a unique event recognising the innovation, dedication, and collaborative spirit driving efforts to prevent and reduce acquisitive crime across the UK.

Hosted by SelectaDNA, the awards shine a light on individuals, teams, and partnerships that go above and beyond to tackle crimes such as theft, burglary, vehicle crime and robbery - often working behind the scenes to create safer communities.

The ceremony, hosted by Ian Dyson CBE QPM DL, former Commissioner of the City of London Police, marked the second year of the awards and reflected the growing momentum behind intelligence-led, community-driven approaches to crime reduction. Attendees included representatives from across UK Policing and the security industry.

The event was proud to welcome Figen Murray OBE, a pioneering campaigner and the driving force behind Martyn's Law (the Terrorism Act 2025). Following the tragic loss of her son Martyn and 21 other victims in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, Figen has reshaped the UK's safety and security standards, ensuring public venues are better prepared to protect people from terrorist threats. Her attendance underlined the event's commitment to resilience and public safety.

A Panel of Esteemed Judges

The awards were independently judged by a panel of respected experts from policing, security, and the legal sector, who assessed nominations against clear criteria to ensure a fair and credible process.

The 2025 judging panel included:

• Georgie Barnard, former Head of the National Business Crime Centre
• Rick Mounfield MSc CSyP FSyI, Director at Optimal Risk Group
• Claire Palmer, Barrister at 5 Essex Chambers
• Ashley Fernandes, Executive Director, ICTS UK & Ireland
• Andy Gregory, former West Midlands Police Crime Reduction Unit Manager
• Andrew Knights, Chief Executive, Knights Security Group
• James Brown, Managing Director, Selectamark Security Systems
• Celebrating Impact Across Five Key Categories

Across five award categories, judges recognised both winners and runners-up - a new addition introduced this year due to the exceptionally high standard of nominations.

Most Innovative Acquisitive Crime Reduction Project Award

Presented by Nick Roach

Winner: Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team

Their Operation Ghost, led by Sgt Winstanley and PC Downey, significantly reduced theft from person offences in Liverpool City Centre - cutting incidents by over 60% in two years and increasing detection rates from 1.3% to 3.3%. This collaborative, intelligence-led work strengthened national partnerships, boosted public safety, and supported Liverpool’s Purple Flag status.

Runner-up: Leicestershire Police, Operation Detect

Operation Detect tackled low detection rates in Hinckley and Braunstone by uniting police, retailers, and justice partners to confront repeat shoplifters, disrupt online stolen goods markets, and reframe retail theft as serious crime. The project restored public confidence, improved victim service, and addressed the root causes of offending with targeted policing.

Exceptional Team Award

Presented by Figen Murray OBE

Winner: Openreach, Security & Investigations Team

The Openreach Security and Investigations Team has delivered exceptional national impact - achieving a 58% drop in network attacks, 78 arrests, and major disruption of organised crime. Despite their size, they safeguard critical infrastructure through intelligence-led operations, real-time evidence capture, and strategic partnerships, protecting broadband services for millions across the UK.

Runner-up: Met Police, Bexley Safer Neighbourhood Team

The Bexley SNT cluster pioneered catalytic converter marking events during a national surge in 2020 and led the Met's first tool marking and bait van operations in 2023. Their innovative approach has shaped national best practice, driving crime prevention through training, collaboration, and public engagement across multiple boroughs and other police forces.

The Will Davies Partnership Project Award

Presented by Jim Taylor

Winner: Sgt Dave Catlow, Shoaib Awan & Clair Frame

This partnership spearheaded a UK-wide tool marking initiative to combat rising tool theft. Combining police action, social media influence, and cutting-edge technology, their campaign educates tradespeople, deters crime, and enables stolen tools to be traced and returned - setting a new standard in crime prevention. It has also been supported by MPs and Police and Crime Commissioners.

Runner-up: PSNI, Policing & Community Safety Partnership

This partnership supports female domestic abuse victims by fostering trust, raising awareness, and promoting reporting. It connects women with advocacy agencies, addresses safety concerns around housing, and responds to increased referrals - creating a vital lifeline for victims seeking help and protection.

Special Achievement Award

Presented by James Brown

Winner: Shoaib Awan, The Gas Expert Ltd

Fuelled by personal experience, Shoaib launched a national campaign against tool theft, leading major protests, partnering with police and SelectaDNA, and raising awareness through tool marking events and media. His efforts recovered £500,000 in stolen goods, drew MP and Prime Minister attention, and united tradespeople in a powerful push for change.

Runner-up: North Yorkshire Police, Rural Task Force

North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, led by Sgts Lund and Earnshaw, delivered the UK's largest SelectaDNA rollout - visiting 1,600 farms and issuing 8,000 kits. Their work led to dramatic reductions in rural crime, gained national recognition, and set best-practice standards shared across forces, showcasing outstanding innovation and community impact.

Rising Star Award

Presented by Andrew Knights

Winner: PC Bethany Beadle, Met Police

PC Bethany Beadle tackled widespread retail crime by identifying a larger issue beyond one store. She collaborated with retailers and partners to deliver a crime reduction plan. Her work led to a 77% theft reduction in one store, multiple offender interventions, and vital support for vulnerable individuals, creating lasting community impact.

Runner-up: Sue Petty, Sidcup Partners BID

Sue Petty leads transformative crime reduction efforts in Sidcup, tackling youth antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, and cycle theft through innovative community collaboration. Her approach includes self-defence classes, improved reporting, support for the vulnerable, and partnerships with schools, businesses, and police - creating a safer, more connected town centre and fostering civic pride and resilience.

Recognition That Builds Momentum

These awards are not only a celebration - they're a springboard for greater visibility and long-term impact. Previous recipients have seen their work amplified on national platforms.

As Sgt Pippa Wilcox of Merseyside Police shared after a previous win:

“It was a great feeling to be recognised and represent Merseyside Police. The award was a springboard to promote the innovative work nationally, on Crimewatch, The Economist and the College of Policing Practice Bank. If we successfully embed the approach throughout the UK, the intelligence picture around those involved in Serious Acquisitive Crime and County Lines will significantly improve.”

This year's winners continue that legacy, demonstrating scalable, evidence-based approaches that are already making a difference in communities across the country.

Reflections on the Night

Reflecting on the evening, James Brown, Managing Director of Selectamark Security Systems, shared:

“The awards have become a powerful platform for recognising the extraordinary people and partnerships behind the fight against acquisitive crime. What stood out most was the shared sense of purpose in the room. From frontline officers to community teams and strategic partners - everyone is playing a part in something bigger.

We're proud to spotlight these efforts, and deeply grateful to our judges, who gave their time and expertise to what was an exceptionally competitive field. Their experience and expertise helped ensure every nomination was carefully considered.”