Retail crime is a 'major cause for concern' among business owners and retailers, says Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Shoplifting in the county has been on the rise over the past few years with offences rising by a staggering 44.9 per cent increase in 2023. 

In light of this, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Sidwick has outlined the work undertaken by the force to tackle the 'blight on our streets' - an issue he is taking 'extremely seriously'.

READ: Dorset Police crime stats increase in shoplifting and theft

He said: "I know business crime is not a victimless offence and I assure you I take it extremely seriously. Indeed it was a reason I stood for this role originally.

"From my regular conversations with business owners and leaders, I know the impact these harmful crimes not only have on business’ bottom lines, but on the staff and communities targeted.

"I am determined to bring about change, not only to drive down these offences but ensure businesses have increased confidence in reporting to police.

"This is vital as without crucial information and intelligence, police cannot target resources to specific areas, allowing criminals to operate freely without fear of consequence."

READ: Man to appear in court charged with shoplifting in Weymouth

One of the initiatives launched by the PCC to tackle shoplifting is the Dorset Safer Business Partnership (DSBP).

It is a group including Dorset Police and local business leaders working together under four key areas – crime prevention, crime reporting, engagement and visibility, cyber-crime and fraud.

Alongside the DSBP the UKPAC Crime Reporting Platform to Dorset was launched.

It is an online information sharing system helping to drive down low-level crime and antisocial behaviour across the UK.

READ: Weymouth shoplifting suspect caught by police in town centre

Mr Sidwick also says that targeting prolific offenders is 'fundamental' to successfully tackling shoplifting in the county.

Op Shopkeeper, a bespoke operation focused on shoplifting, has been targeting prolific offenders through identifying trends and hotspots.

He added: "Dorset Police’s tactical plan is a whole system approach which rightly, starts with prevention.

"It operates across the whole of Dorset, I am pleased to say is successfully tackling the prolific offenders we know commit the majority of retail crime in our county."

READ: Police stop potential shoplifter in Weymouth town centre

Since November, the operation has targeted 23 alleged offenders, who have been charged with 312 shoplifting offences.

Mr Sidwick continued: "As a result of this focused police work, greater sentences are being achieved in the courts, dealing with the true nature of the offending.

"One perpetrator was recently convicted for 54 shoplifts and sentenced to three years in prison and handed a four-year restraining order.

"This is just one of the incredible results we are seeing, with more to come."

The PCC has also said that the rise in offences nationally is 'largely attributed to drug addiction, organised crime, and prolific offenders'.

READ: Woman stole from Asda one month after shoplifting conviction

He goes on to call on all members of the community to help the force tackle the issue by helping to provide intelligence and report crimes.

Mr Sidwick said: "Dorset Police has a robust plan in place to tackle these crimes - and it’s working.

"By working together, we can stop the damage shoplifting inflicts on our businesses and communities; enough is enough."