Shoplifting around the city increases

Shoplifting offences are on the increase in Wiltshire but Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson says ‘plans are in place’.

Crime statistics released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a 14% rise in shoplifting in the 12 months to March 2024, this is an increase of nearly 500 offences compared to the previous year.

Following a consultation with retailers and business networks like the Salisbury BID, he says ‘progress is being made’ to improve the service that retailers receive from Wiltshire Police.

This comes as the King recently outlined the new Labour government plans to remove the £200 threshold currently in place for prosecuting shoplifters. This means that lower value thefts will see an increased police response.

PCC Philip Wilkinson added, “Shoplifting should not be dismissed as a victimless, lower-level crime – we’re seeing an increasing trend of shoplifting being used by organised crime groups to fuel criminality and the impact on retailers, employees and the wider community should not be understated.

“This impact is felt further when intimidation and threats of violence accompany shoplifting offences and both economic and physical harm is caused to those working in retail and business owners.”  

Despite an increase in shoplifting, statistics also show that Wiltshire recorded the fewest number of crimes in the country, with an 8% decrease on the previous 12 months, including significant decreases in robbery (28%), residential burglary (22%), public order offences (13%) and violence against the person (11%).

Chief Constable Catherine Roper said, “My colleagues and I are dedicated to keeping Wiltshire safe. These latest figures from the ONS showing Wiltshire as having the lowest overall recorded crime rate of all forces in the country are a reflection of this commitment to our communities.

“We will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of criminals; we will continue to hold them to account for their actions, and we will continue to place our support to our victims at the heart of everything we do.”