Shoplifting in Dorset continues to rise despite promises to reduce the issue.

New figures released by the Home Office yesterday (July 24) have revealed that shoplifting offences in Dorset are up by 28 per cent.

The latest data is for the year to end March 24 when 4,641 offences were recorded, up from 3,617 in the year ending March 2023.

READ: Dorset Police crime stats increase in shoplifting and theft

The number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales is now at a new 20-year high.

As reported, in April, figures nearly doubled from the year end December 2023 on the previous year, now three months later, there is still a rise in offences.

In November 2023, Dorset Police revealed that the majority of shop lifting crimes go unresolved, however they have been implementing initiatives to tackle the issue.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: “There has been an increase of 28.3 per cent in reports of shoplifting offences, and while this is a large increase it is reflective of the increase across the country of 29.7 per cent.

"This is partly due to a number of ongoing initiatives as we continue to work with businesses to increase reporting and raise awareness.

"Many people believe shoplifting is essentially a victimless crime, but this is not the case. Retail theft is very costly for communities, businesses and the economy."

READ: Dorset Police chief vows to tackle shoplifting in county

As reported, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Sidwick outlined the work undertaken by the force.

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

Together with business leaders Dorset Police it looks at crime prevention, crime reporting, engagement and visibility as well as cyber crime and fraud.

Op Shopkeeper, a bespoke operation focused on shoplifting, has also been launched to target prolific offenders .

READ: Majority of shoplifting crimes unresolved in Dorset

The UKPAC Crime Reporting Platform has also been launched in Dorset helping to drive down low-level crime and antisocial behaviour across the UK.

The news of yet another rise in shoplifting has 'shocked' Weymouth business leader Paul Appleby though.

"Shoplifting has a direct impact on businesses of all sizes and such an increase is shocking.

"I hope when the next statistics come out we see a drop and I hope the measure put in place go a long way to solve the problem.

READ: Police stop potential shoplifter in Weymouth town centre

"Shoplifting can be the difference in making and breaking a business."

The release of the latest crime figures is not all bad news though.

The figures show Dorset continues to be one of the safest areas in the country after experiencing a decrease in crime overall.

During the 12 months from April 2023 to March 2024, overall crime in Dorset has decreased by 3.1 per cent, against a national average drop of 3.2 per cent.

The number of sexual offence reports decreased by 7.8 per cent, which was an improved picture when compared to the 2.9 per cent reduction seen across the country, while violence with injury fell by four per cent, against a national average drop of 3.1 per cent.

READ: Weymouth shoplifting suspect caught by police in town centre

Reports of stalking and harassment dropped by 2.9 per cent, compared to a national decrease of 9.6 per cent. Additionally, vehicles offences reduced by 11.9 per cent, while the national decrease was 6.3 per cent. 

Mr Sidwick said: “While much work is taking place to tackle business crime across Dorset, I recognise the rise in shoplifting, which is mirrored nationally, will be concerning.

"I want to assure the public that we are fully committed to driving down these offences.

"A large amount of work is taking place to tackle these crimes which includes the successful initiative Op Shopkeeper alongside significant preventative work, but I acknowledge there is still more to do, and we are committed to delivering that."