Prolific thieves committing "bulk" of shoplifting crimes in Dorset
Police are stepping up patrols in a clampdown on retail crime
Shoplifting is on the rise in Dorset.
A small number of prolific thieves are said to be committing the bulk of crimes in the county.
32 suspects have been charged with more than 600 offences between them since last November.
Officers will be visiting shop owners and increasing patrols in hotspot areas as part of a week of action tackling business and retail crime.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said: "Shoplifting is not a victimless offence.
"From regular conversations with shop owners, I know the impact these crimes not only have on a company’s bottom line, but on staff and communities targeted.
"It was one of the reasons I stood for this role originally.
"Both locally and nationally, shoplifting is on the rise and thorough analysis of the issue in Dorset shows that a small core of prolific offenders commit the bulk of retail crime, with each offender being responsible for numerous shoplifting offences.
"Thanks to making it a priority in the police and crime plan, Dorset Police now has a strategic plan, a tactical plan and operations in place to address this."
Safer Business Action Week is taking place between 14 and 20 October.