Rural shops being targeted by 'brazen' shoplifters

Shoplifting in rural Wiltshire has increased in the past year

Retail staff in rural Wiltshire towns say they are being targeted by thieves from larger towns and cities.

Police figures show a rise in shoplifting in Warminster over the past year, with staff saying they see theft "daily".

Hundreds of stolen items have recently been recovered with help from the Warminster and Westbury CCTV hub.

Insp Lou Oakley from the Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) said the increase in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour reflects national trends.

"They are quite brazen," said Chloe, who works at Boots. "They come in with a basket or backpack and empty shelves. We have shoplifters almost every day."

Matt, from Sports Direct, said the store loses thousands of pounds monthly due to theft.

"They grab items and run into a waiting car. Branded products, trainers, and high-value clothing are the main targets."

Jayne Miller, assistant manager at Warminster Red Cross, said she had noticed a rise in shoplifting, often by thieves from outside the area.

"They swap their clothes for items in our changing rooms. Charity shops are also being targeted."

Charity shops such as the British Red Cross are also being targeted.

High-tech CCTV is aiding in catching shoplifters.

The Warminster and Westbury CCTV partnership, overseen by local councils, police, businesses, and the Army, operates 45 high-definition cameras in the area.

Mark Chalmers, from the town's CCTV hub, said: "If you come to Warminster to shoplift, there's a good chance you'll get caught.

"Our 360-degree cameras provide multiple angles, increasing the chances of identifying thieves."

A successful shop watch scheme links stores via digital radios.

"If they spot a shoplifter, they contact us directly, and we notify the police," Mr Chalmers explained.

"From 1 January to now, there's been 50 occurrences recorded between us and the police."

The Warminster CCTV hub uses high-tech cameras to catch criminals

The NPT said shoplifting and anti-social behaviour remain its top priorities.

Insp Oakley said there are also plans to collaborate with drug and alcohol organizations to address the underlying causes.

"Partner agencies are working together to ensure our community can enjoy the town without fear of crime or disorder," she said.

"We also aim to strengthen engagement in a 'retail crime working group' in Warminster."