Shoplifting increase as cost of living spiralled

REPORTED crime rose slightly in Devon and Cornwall last year, but the region is still one of the safest counties in England and Wales.

Only Wiltshire has fewer crimes per 100,000 residents, making Devon and Cornwall joint second, along with North Yorkshire, which both reported 59 offences per 1,000 people last year.

But shoplifting has risen dramatically, both nationally, and in Devon and Cornwall.

And the force hasn’t been able to provide figures for some types of crime because it has installed a new IT system and can’t get the numbers.

However, figures released by the Office of National Statistics for 2023 show a 37 per cent increase in shoplifting offences in the force area last year: 7,651 such offences compared to 5,583 in 2022.

Nationally the number of these reported crimes rose by the same the same proportion, to the highest number of stealing from shop since current police recording practices began in March 2003.

The ongoing cost of living crisis has been blamed.

Devon and Cornwall saw thefts rise 13 per cent with nearly 25,000 in 2023 compared to 22,000 the previous year, and a 52 per cent rise in ‘theft from person’ although the number of this type of offence is still below 1,000.

Residential burglaries rose 25 per cent to 2,102 but non-residential burglaries dropped 28 per cent to 1,456.

Violence still remains the main crime across the two counties and last year saw around 500 more violent offences, up to nearly 47,000. Sexual offences rose slightly from 5,561 in 2022 to 5,785 last year.

Death or serious injury from unlawful driving increased by 66 per cent, from 39 to 65.

There were just over 12,000 ‘stalking with harassment’ offences, down slightly on the previous year, and a reduction in public order offences (7,384), drug offences (3,976) and criminal damage and arson (12,772).

Following the implementation of a new IT system in November 2022, Devon and Cornwall Police haven’t been able to supply data on offences for use of knife or sharp instruments, firearms, domestic abuse-related incidents and those recorded by Action Fraud.

The force said it is dealing with the consequences of the ongoing cost of living crisis, reflected by a rise in theft and other acquisitive crime.

“We have seen a rise in shoplifting offences but still have the third lowest rate of any police area in the country for that type of crime,” it said.

The Devon and Cornwall force is ranked in the top three best performing forces for seven crimes types – victim based crime, residential burglary, all burglary, public order offences, theft offences, shoplifting and bicycle theft – and in the top five for vehicle offences.

Temporary deputy chief constable Dave Thorne said: “It’s always satisfying to see Devon and Cornwall near the top of the table, but we’re not complacent and we’re constantly striving to improve our service and improve public confidence.

“Over the last year we’ve been using the Op Loki model to respond to issues identified by local people. The most recent phase was carried out in Barnstaple last month and focused on drugs, anti-social behaviour and keeping our roads safe.

“We will continue working with our communities and partners to deliver a quality police service for our residents and visitors.”

Ahead of police and crime commissioner (PCC) elections next Thursday, Liberal Democrat candidate Steve Lodge said positive outcomes were to be welcomed, but a low crime rate didn’t necessarily translate into crimes solved. Labour’s Daniel Steel argued: “The Tories have decriminalised theft with their shoplifters’ charter, so thefts under £200 are not fully investigated.” And Conservative candidate Alison Hernandez said: “Getting tough on retail crime is part of my agenda if I am re-elected.”