Shoplifting offences in Dorset rise by nearly 30% over the last year
They're at their highest level since 2003
Shoplifting figures in Dorset have reached their highest since 2003 over the last year.
New data has revealed shoplifting across the county rose by 28% between April 2023 and March 2024, with 4,600 incidents reported.
Dorset Police say they anticipated the rise as they continue to encourage businesses to report retail crime.
Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey told us: “We are working closely with businesses to understand what exactly the rise is, get a clearer picture of hotspot areas and learn who the persistent offenders are that we need to focus on.”
Although the rise is “significant”, the figures are on par with national statistics and highlight the ‘shoplifting epidemic’ the country is experiencing as a whole.
Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “What we are seeing is much better local organisation and complicit retail outlets.
"There are shops out there who resell stolen goods and, in some cases, the shoplifting is to order.”
The force has expressed their eagerness to clampdown on retail crime and will do so by improving communication and intelligence sharing between local businesses, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and the police.
In Bournemouth, a high visibility ‘Town Centre Team’ will regularly patrol the area and visit businesses who have fallen victim to the crime.
Chief Superintendent Dixey said: "You will clearly have groups doing it purely for money making exercises but we also see people shoplifting because they’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, so they do it to fund/support their lifestyle.”
As part of the ongoing Operation Shopkeeper initiative, Dorset Police have been focusing on prolific shoplifters who cause the most harm in our communities.
PCC Sidwick said: “When I look at shoplifting, the sanction seems very low to me and I would like to see a certain amount of strength in that which sometimes isn't applied now.
“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, it spreads fear and, in some cases, there is assault or abuse which is levelled at the shop retail assistants.”