Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, has pledged to tackle shoplifting and assault on shop staff in the county following national reports that shoplifting is at an all-time high.

The most recent crime statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlight that shoplifting figures are at the highest level since records began in 2003. Nationally the figures show that in 2024, there has been a 30% increase in shoplifting offences compared to the previous year.

However, despite all counties in England and Wales seeing an increase in shoplifting, including Cumbria, Cumbria has the fifth lowest increase at 9% as of March 2024 and has a rate of 4.5 per 1000 population compared to the national average of 7.4.

Between July 2023 and June 2024, 2,388 shoplifting offences were recorded in Cumbria – 357 more than the previous year and 856 more offences compared to 2020/21.

In the same time period for 23/24, positive outcomes relating to shoplifting offences stand at 37.2%. A 1.6% increase over the same time last year. A positive outcome refers to when a criminal has been correctly identified and has faced the appropriate sanction or takes part in a restorative justice programme, if applicable.

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “During my election, I pledged to protect Cumbria’s safety, and this includes the safety of businesses and their staff.

“Although Cumbria has one of the smallest increases across the England and Wales, a 9% increase is still a cause for concern that needs to be addressed. It’s not something I take lightly, nor do the Constabulary.

“The Government is introducing a new Crime Bill, highlighted in the King’s Speech last week, to bring in stronger measures to tackle low-level shoplifting valued under £200 and the introduction of a law specifically to protect shop workers from abuse.

“No theft is too small and it all adds up no matter if the business is a small independent or a major chain – it has an effect. The British Retail Consortium raised that shoplifting cost retailers £1.8billion in the last year – that is a huge blow to the economy and must be dealt with.

“In relation to shop staff, we absolutely need to bring in better protection for them. Everyone has the right to go to work and do their job without living in fear of being abused or assaulted – it is absolutely appalling that this is not the case.

“As I said at the Police, Fire & Crime Panel yesterday (25 July), I will be working with our Home Secretary and the Chief Constable to ensure that we reduce shoplifting in our county and that those committing these offences face the consequences for their actions.

“When I was campaigning, I promised more Officers out on Cumbria’s streets being visible in communities. I am delivering on this pledge and visible policing should deter criminals from any opportunities to walk in and take what they like.

“Community Policing is vital to reducing crime, especially those that are seen as ‘low-level’ crime such as small value shoplifting.

“The Constabulary are working towards tackling shoplifting through initiatives such as target hardening by identifying premises that are repeatedly targeted with prevention advice and equipment, in some cases. They also take part in Safer Business Action Days to bring local partners and retail staff together to encourage information sharing and collaboration, using ANPR to identify and track vehicles that are already involved in crime coming into the county, and using technology to store digital evidence such as CCTV.

“However, more can be done and more should be done and I am dedicated to working with the Police and businesses to support their fight against retail crime.

“My aim is that once we get the new legislation in and can act on it that we will see a reduction in shoplifting offences and abuse on shop staff.

“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about shoplifting and abuse on shop staff, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734.”

If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.