Shoplifting skyrockets

SHOPLIFTING offences have soared more than 50 per cent in the first four months this year in Tasmania, with a crime-solving support organisation putting the issue in the spotlight for a week.

The Crime Stoppers Week, which began yesterday, focuses on illicit drugs, theft and shoplifting and asks the community to get involved in reporting crimes.

Shoplifting increased 52 per cent between January to April compared to the same period last year, Crime Stoppers Tasmania says.