Writing your statement
Alongside your CCTV footage, we require an MG11 statement, including a CCTV chronology. We understand that not all staff completing these packs have written a statement before so please see below for guidance.
Statement guidance
If you know the offender then you must explain at the end of the statement within the business crime pack how the offender is known and consider the following points:
- How do you know them? This needs to be a clear identification or if you cannot identify them, provide the details of someone who can
- Did you see them in person or on CCTV?
- Did you get a clear and unobstructed view of them?
- What were they wearing?
Statement example
My name is JOHN DOE and I am employed as security for SAINSBURYS, 123 LETSBE AVENUE, AB1 2CD. I have been in this role since February 2020. I am providing a statement in relation to a known offender that has committed a theft from our store on the 21st DECEMBER 2021.
This statement is in relation to a suspect known to myself as Charlie BROWN, 01/01/1990 (Please provide DOB if known). I know this person as Charlie BROWN as they have previously been detained by myself in store due to a previous incident (and identified to me by local police/Shopwatch/another store security).
On the 21st December 2021 at 18:30 I was on duty at Sainsburys. At around 18:45 I saw OFFENDER enter the store and walk over to the meat aisle. She stood for around three minutes before picking up four packs of meat. I was stood near the checkout and could clearly see OFFENDER. I then witnessed OFFENDER walking out of the shop with no attempt to pay. I did attempt to detain OFFENDER however, she ran away. I checked the CCTV and this confirmed the offence.
I would describe OFFENDER as being a white female, with a slim build. She was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans with rips in them and black Adidas trainers. Her hair is blonde and was tied up in a ponytail. OFFENDER has a tattoo on her neck of Roman numerals.
The incident was recorded on the store CCTV system at 18:45 hours on 21/12/2021. I have provided this footage to the police on NICE DEMS and exhibited as JD/01 (THIS MUST BE YOUR INITALS AND NUMBERED; for example JD/01- first footage JD/02- second footage and so on). The footage clearly shows OFFENDER entering the store, concealing the items and leaving without payment.
I would also like to exhibit into evidence a clear still image of the suspect's face, which I have also uploaded onto NICE DEMS, this has been exhibited as JD/03.
Items stolen:
Packs of chicken x 17
Total value of the items stolen was £60. I have printed a copy of the receipt for the goods stolen. This has been uploaded to NICE DEMS and exhibited as JD/04.
No one has permission to remove goods from any Sainsburys store without making a payment. I wish to make an official complaint of theft. I am willing to assist the police and I am willing to attend court if required.
We understand that some businesses have their own MG11 statement formats and do not use the witness statement format provided in the business crime pack. These are mostly fine to use, but if not we will contact you. Alternatively, please do use the statement provided in the business crime pack using the guidance above to complete all the sections.
