Shoplifting cases hit seven-year high - police

Police figures show shoplifting in Kent was at a seven-year high in 2024

Shoplifting offences in Kent are at their highest level for seven years, according to police figures.

Kent Police said from 2023 to 2024 offences were up by 19.2%, with 2,433 more cases reported. Of the total, 26.9% of shoplifting cases were solved.

Retailers say shoplifting is becoming more blatant and staff retention is more difficult as a result.

Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Scott, who has set up an initiative involving retailers and police, said: "It is a national problem, but one I think we can improve locally."

His Retail Crime Board met for the first time on 18 September.

It heard from one retailer who faces three or four cases of abusive or threatening behaviour towards staff each week.

Mr Scott said: "I have been clear with my intentions for this board - we want less crime, more support for victims and to build trust between them and the police."

Kent PCC Matthew Scott wants better communication between retailers and local police

Retailers are being encouraged to sign up to the 'My Community Voice' scheme, allowing them to contact their local police teams directly.

In April the Office for National Statistics reported shoplifting across England and Wales had reached its highest level for 20 years.

Kent Chief Constable Tim Smith said in July that the number of arrests, charges and cautions for shoplifting in the county had "significantly increased".

Mr Scott said: "The Retail Crime Board is not going to be a talking shop.

"This is about building trust between businesses and the police, supporting those victims of crime as well as sharing good practise and developing effective partnerships.

"We’ve already discussed how we can improve our data gathering and sharing and ways to build relationships with local beat officers."