The Shopwatch organization works closely with local authorities and intends to reduce retail crime and antisocial behaviour and to help make shopping areas safer for customers and staff.

Law enforcement supports the Shopwatch, as it works in concert with public safety campaigns, and retail crime reduction initiatives.

[3] Shopwatch schemes operate within city limits,[4] towns, and villages across the UK.

Shopwatch schemes vary in size and are headed by a coordinator and meet as a group on a regular basis to discuss problems that have occurred on or near retail premises.

Action taken usually ranges from legal prosecution to 'banning orders' where the individual, for a set period of time, is not allowed to enter any of the retail areas and shopping malls containing the retail premises operated by the members of the Shopwatch group.