New National Crackdown On Organised Crime Places High Street Safety In Spotlight At Major October Conference
Virtual conference to explore new enforcement powers, intelligence-sharing and partnership approaches to tackling organised high street crime
The recent announcement of new powers to tackle rogue high street businesses and organised crime networks has placed renewed focus on protecting town centres, local businesses and communities across the UK.
Against this backdrop, Policy Foresight is bringing together policymakers, enforcement agencies, Trading Standards professionals, local authorities, retailers and community safety practitioners for the Tackling High Street Crime Conference, taking place online on Thursday 1 October 2026.
The conference comes as the Government introduces strengthened legislation, enhanced enforcement powers and a new High Street Organised Crime Unit designed to disrupt criminal networks exploiting legitimate businesses, vacant commercial premises and local communities.
Delegates will hear the latest insights into the evolving nature of organised criminal activity affecting Britain’s high streets and examine how agencies can work together to identify, prevent and disrupt criminal activity.
The event will also explore lessons emerging from Operation Machinize, alongside practical approaches to intelligence-sharing, early intervention and multi-agency partnership working.
Key Themes Include:
- Understanding the role of the new High Street Organised Crime Unit
- Tackling organised criminal groups operating through commercial premises
- Addressing illicit trade, money laundering and criminal exploitation
- Using closure orders and regulatory powers effectively
- Strengthening intelligence-sharing and partnership responses
- Protecting communities through coordinated enforcement activity
As criminal networks continue to adapt their methods, the conference will provide an important opportunity for professionals from policing, local government, Trading Standards, licensing, retail and community safety sectors to share best practice and learn from leading experts.
Event Details
Tackling High Street Crime Conference
📅 Thursday 1 October 2026
💻 Virtual Conference
🕙 10.00am – 2.40pm
Group booking discounts are available, with places costing £145 + VAT per delegate when booking five or more attendees online.
Organisations are encouraged to secure their places early and share the opportunity with colleagues and partner agencies involved in community safety, enforcement and regulatory services.
For further information, booking details and the full conference programme, visit the Policy Foresight website.
About Policy Foresight
Policy Foresight delivers conferences, training and policy engagement events that bring together public sector leaders, policymakers and practitioners to explore emerging challenges, share solutions and strengthen collaborative working across services.
