Shoplifting in Dorset has increased by 20 per cent in the space of a year - amid local traders voicing their fears as they approach their busiest time of the year.
A Weymouth shop manager has told the Echo of her concern that incidents will increase further in the run-up to Christmas, while a Weymouth shop co-manager said it is 'scary' for staff having to confront shoplifters.
The Office for National Statistics has just released data on recorded crime numbers across England and Wales from July 1 2023 to June 30, 2024.
The numbers reveal that while overall crime in Dorset has fallen by 2.3 per cent, shoplifting in the county has increased by 19.2 per cent - the average increase in England and Wales for the offence is 28.2 per cent.
A total of 4,719 instances of shoplifting were recorded in Dorset.
This comes after Dorset Police took part in a week of action focusing on retail crime as part of Safer Business Action Week.
READ MORE: Dorset Police is supporting Safer Business Action Week
Earlier figures previously reported showed shoplifting in Dorset rose by 36 per cent from 2,891 incidents to 3,944, from June 2022 to June 2023, exceeding the average for England and Wales, which was 25 per cent.
READ MORE: Nearly 50 per cent increase in shoplifting incidents in Dorset
Although the latest increase in shoplifting offences across Dorset is less than the national average, local traders have expressed their concern at the offence being on the rise.
Amongst them is Klaire Ball, store manager at Cancer Research UK on St Mary Street, Weymouth, which has been repeatedly targeted by shoplifters.
She said: "I'm shocked and it's very upsetting. It makes me angry people can come in and do that. Shoplifting in a charity shop is below the belt. It's bound to be on the increase more as we get nearer to Christmas.
"We've seen it go up quite a lot and have had to get BID rangers involved. We rely on volunteers to man the shop and struggle when it gets busy, shoplifters then take the opportunity to come and steal."
Barry Coleman, co-manager of gift shop Baan 57 on St Alban Street, said a traders' meeting was held to address shoplifting, with Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) rangers and Dorset Police in attendance.
In this meeting, the idea of implementing radios was discussed, which will mean people can get in touch with officers more quickly to alert them to any shoplifters in town.
He said: "We're aware of a big increase in shoplifting.
“It's not nice for staff, especially when they have to confront someone, it can be a bit scary sometimes.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “Like other parts of the country, we have seen an increase in some crimes rates.
"Unfortunately, residential burglary has risen by 8.6 per cent, while shoplifting has increased by 19.2 per cent. Even though this rise is well below the national increase of 28.2 per cent, I acknowledge the impact these offences have on our business communities.
"We can attribute some of the increase in shoplifting reporting to our Operation Shopkeeper initiative, which is our approach to supporting retailers who are the victims of these offences.
"We continue our dedication to working hard and collaborating with Dorset communities, gathering intelligence and investigating offences, enabling us to target those responsible. Additionally, we work closely with our partners and business communities in a comprehensive approach to prevent crime and tackle the root causes."
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am pleased Dorset has once again seen a fall in overall crime, ensuring we stay one of the safest places in the country.
“A significant amount of work is being undertaken in Dorset to combat the scourge of shoplifting including Op Shopkeeper and Op Spotter. While the rise in this offence is mirrored across the country, I am pleased Dorset’s figures fall below the national average - testament to the work being carried out to combat this harmful offence.
"I want to assure the public that we are focused on bringing these numbers down even further and this proactive work will continue apace."
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