A major increase in shoplifting has been recorded in Renfrewshire in recent months – a trend branded a “real concern” by an elected member.
Theft in this area, taking place from the start of April until the end of August, has risen by 49.2% on the corresponding period last year.
That’s according to figures from Police Scotland which will be presented at the police and fire and rescue scrutiny sub-committee next Tuesday.
The spike came as no surprise to Councillor Eddie Devine, a representative for Paisley Southeast, who believes more culprits are doing it in plain sight.
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He said: “People have told me that they see people just lifting stuff and leaving the shop. They’re not being surreptitious about it.
“This is what you hear from speaking to folk. They see these things happen and they might be a bit wary of reporting it, because they don’t want anything coming back to them.
“It certainly needs addressed but it just shows you what the country is coming to when people are stealing anything to try to get some money.
“They know if they steal certain food or other products, they can get money for it. It’s a real concern.”
A total of 1,679 crimes of dishonesty were recorded in the reporting period – an increase of 18% on the previous year – with theft by shoplifting constituting 46% of these.
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In its performance summary report, Police Scotland said: “In response to the rise in recorded shoplifting crime, several action plans have been implemented at various hotspot locations across Renfrewshire, targeting repeat offenders and providing prevention advice to retailers and security staff.
“The retail crime task force continues to develop and deliver a coordinated response to retail crime through a four Ps approach – prevent, protect, pursue and prepare.
“The aims of the task force include better understanding the drivers for retail crime and mitigate against them; providing local policing divisions with analytical products to enhance their response to retail crime; identification of linked crimes and offenders and the facilitation of coordinated, robust investigations; supporting retailers with the provision of bespoke crime prevention tools and advice; and the development of prevent strategies and interventions, specifically for high harm recidivist offenders.”
A presentation on the issue of theft by shoplifting is due to be made at the sub-committee next week.
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