Businesses suffer as shoplifting offences almost double

Shoplifting offences in Sussex have increased by a staggering 48 per cent since June 2023, from 12,920 to 19,085, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Meanwhile, the number of thefts in total has risen by 17 per cent from 39,383 offences in June 2022-23 to 45, 994 offences from June 2023-24. Robberies have also become more frequent, with 1,310 instances in the past year, up from 961 the year before. 

The ONS reported that the rise in theft offences is predominantly due to the increase in shoplifting and theft "from the person", which has increased by 25 per cent to 1,275 offences.

Maisy Allen, an employee from jewellery, clothing and accessory shop Phimmada in Kensington Gardens, Brighton, shared the impact theft has on both their small business and the staff who work there.

She said: “People steal things all the time.

“There is no reaction from police or security. One person stole over £1,500 worth of stuff.

Phimmada in Kensington Gardens, Brighton (Image: Google) “The woman that was here when it happened was upset for weeks, she still is now.

“We never have the stuff returned to us, the only times we get it back it's because our manager has gone and got it.

“It’s just crazy the theft and the crime here.

“You start to blame yourself, our manager has considered shutting the shop because of how little support there is around theft.”

Tia Goodey, manager of The Giftree Brighton in The Lanes, said she has seen a rise in theft although goods are rarely returned to them.

She said: “We have always had people stealing, but I would say in the last year it has been more.

“If we get a description of them, the BID or police will go out and look for them. They’re really good.”

An employee of Bert’s in Western Road, Brighton, who typically works in the Hove store in George Street, said theft was worse in Brighton than their usual store.

They said: “This area is much worse than it is up in Hove.

“We have got a lot of people and faces we have to look out for. It’s quite sad really.

Bert's in Western Road, Brighton (Image: Google) “Especially at this time of year it does get worse as well.

“We’re in contact with the BID and the police all the time. They stopped someone outside in the street about two weeks ago.”

Graham Wynn, British Retail Consortium assistant director of regulatory affairs, said the figures "reflect the scale of the issue which retailers face on a day-to-day basis".

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He added: "Shoplifting remains at its highest level in 20 years and cost retailers £1.8 billion last year. The thieves committing these crimes are becoming bolder, more aggressive, and are more frequently armed with weapons.

"The government must ensure the standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker passes into law as soon as possible to protect all retail workers and to send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated."

Western Road in Brighton (Image: The Argus) Gavin Stewart, CEO of the Brighton Business Improvement District (BID), which supports 517 businesses in the city centre, reported having returned £60,000 worth of stolen goods in the past year.

Mr Stewart said: “Sadly, our businesses are experiencing an uptick in shoplifting and theft.

“The Brighton City Centre Ambassadors work closely with our business community and have been able to assist in the return of over £60,000 worth of stolen goods this year alone.

“By working in partnership with Sussex Police and the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership, we are able to share critical live intelligence with our partners which can help lead to positive outcomes, helping many traders to fight back and remain open, against a very challenging backdrop.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Sussex Police is committed to tackling all types of acquisitive crime and understands the traumatic impact robbery and theft has on victims, both emotionally and financially.

“We carry out a significant amount of engagement work within our communities to prevent crime and bring perpetrators to justice, including increased patrols in hotspot areas where crimes have been reported and issuing advice to ensure people can feel safe and stay safe in our county.

READ MORE: City's shoplifting epidemic laid bare with map showing hotspots

“We will always encourage people to report offences to us, and have made it easier for our business community to report thefts to us via the One Touch Reporting system.

“This has seen a significant rise in the number of reports being received, giving us greater intelligence and information about what’s happening in our area and allowing us to respond to these incidents more efficiently and effectively.

“The force also carries out specific operations aimed at targeting prolific offenders causing harm in our communities.

“For example, Operation Apprentice is the Sussex-wide response to business crime and sees a dedicated team of officers work with our local businesses to identify and prosecute offenders.

“Where appropriate, we will also look to obtain civil orders such as a Community Protection Warning or Criminal Behaviour Order to prevent further offences from being committed.

“If you are a victim of crime, or have any information relating to offences taking place, please report it to us online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”