Shoplifting rises by 21.5 per cent across East Lancashire

According to statistics from data.police.uk, there were 2,807 shoplifting crimes were reported between April 2016-17.

Then April 2017-18 shows there were 3,411, which has equals 21.5 per cent rise.

However, more concerningly, figures for the last seven months (October 2017 and April 2018) that there were almost 100 report per month in Blackburn with Darwen.

It has prompted calls for more investment in police resources to tackle the problem.

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern said: “The rise in shoplifting in Blackburn and in Lancashire is very concerning, and must be addressed.

"Shop lifting is not a victimless crime; theft from shops can often be a trigger for violence, threats and abuse against shop workers, and so the rising trend in shoplifting is extremely worrying.

"Shoplifting is unfortunately on the rise throughout the country and there is an increasing need for the Government to take action.

"The rise in shoplifting can clearly be attributed in large part to the significant cuts faced by Police forces, and communities more widely throughout the country.

"The diminished resources available to Police forces; new legislation - specifically the Anti-Social Behaviour Act of 2014, which in part has decriminalised shop theft; and cuts to Local Government, reducing social and community services must all be considered significant factors when addressing why shoplifting and other forms of petty crime are on the rise.

"Wider issues surrounding shop lifting including depravation, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of opportunities and leisure activities available for young people in our communities must also be considered when the causes of these kinds of crime are being addressed.

"Moving forward, it is clear that there must be immediate and sustained investment across the board if we are to address the kinds of issues that lead to this kind of crime, with Police and Local Government being properly funded.

"Police forces must be provided with the resources they need to address all forms of crime; and Local Government must be given the resources required in order to properly engage in the community including: providing support to members of the community with drug and alcohol problems, improved services and activities for young people and opportunities for people throughout the community; all of which would I think help to address the causes of this kind of crime.

"Whilst clearly rises in crime cannot be attributed in full to austerity and cuts faced by communities, the impact of these cuts must be considered a major factor when addressing the kinds of issues that are on the rise today. It is clear that the Government must take action if we are to properly address these issues, and tackle shoplifting and petty crime effectively."

Insp Abid Khan of Blackburn Neighbourhood Policing, said: “We continue to see increases in recorded crime, some of which can be attributed to more rigorous recording standards.

“We understand the impact shoplifting can have on local businesses and continue to work to raise awareness around this type of crime and the importance of reporting it.

“We have recently been encouraging businesses to report shoplifting offences through our quick and simple online reporting form.

“This means business owners can report incidents at a convenient time for them, and log everything in one place, including any relevant CCTV footage. Officers from our Neighbourhood Policing team then review the reports and take appropriate follow-up action, including investigating offences and giving preventative advice to shop owners.

“Our advice to businesses is to remain vigilant, ensure your business is properly protected through the use of CCTV, security personnel and alarms and give careful consideration to product placement to minimise risk. Shoplifting will not be tolerated in our county and our focus remains on targeting offenders and bringing them to justice.”

APRIL 2016 – 248 (total) 75 BWD 65 Burnley 36 Hyndburn 39 Pendle 5 RV 28 Ross

May 2016 – 215 64 66 35 26 5 19

June - 172 64 37 30 20 5 19

July - 217 76 41 45 27 10 18

Aug - 223 82 38 39 32 7 25

Sept - 254 62 56 57 35 14 30

Oct - 247 74 80 33 36 10 14

Nov - 242 71 56 42 50 9 13

Dec - 206 81 55 29 18 9 14

Jan - 243 75 62 36 41 5 24

Feb - 261 75 94 40 32 5 15

March - 279 91 65 43 47 10 23

Total 2807

April 2017- 258 87 50 40 60 8 13

May - 225 66 39 39 27 24 30

June - 259 61 69 67 ` 24 21 17

July - 226 62 53 42 41 13 15

August- 240 71 61 41 32 13 22

Sept - 212 54 47 39 43 8 21

Oct - 263 91 48 53 38 14 19

Nov - 306 97 70 59 54 10 16

Dec - 256 92 35 48 51 13 17

Jan - 277 80 72 52 44 12 17

Feb - 300 110 52 48 62 6 22

Mar - 303 91 68 41 78 7 18

April - 286 97 45 55 52 6 26

Total 3,411