Number of shoplifting offences recorded by Devon & Cornwall Police jump by 191.48% in past 5 years

The number of shoplifting cases in Devon and Cornwall has surged in the past five years, whilst just 19.65% of cases recorded by Devon & Cornwall Police resulted in a charge, according to House of Commons Library data analysed by the Liberal Democrats.

Martin Wrigley, Lib Dem MP for the Newton Abbot constituency, is calling for a return to genuine community policing, and has said the Government should make a ‘Police Counter Promise’, which would guarantee a staffed police desk in communities across the Teignbridge area. The Liberal Democrats say a visible police presence would rebuild public confidence that local crime after our brilliant community here in Devon was taken seriously.

Shoplifting in Devon and Cornwall has skyrocketed in the past five years, with 11,114 cases recorded by Devon & Cornwall Police last year, up a staggering 191.48% since 2020/21.

Meanwhile, of the shoplifting cases reported to Devon & Cornwall Police just 19.65% resulted in a charge last year, with a huge number of suspects getting away scot free.

The Lib Dems have also raised concerns that shoplifting is particularly hitting small businesses on our high streets here in Devon who are already under mounting pressure from rising energy bills, unfair business rates and extra costs from the Chancellor’s National Insurance Contribution rise. Martin Wrigley MP has called for a 5p VAT cut for our hospitality businesses and urgent reform of the business rates system to breathe life back into our high streets. 

Martin said:

"Local businesses are really struggling with a surge in shoplifting that treats our local shops like easy targets. This is the direct result of years of Conservative cuts to community policing, followed by Labour’s failure to fix the damage.

“It is unacceptable that the hardworking people in our local stores are being left to fend for themselves. Our independent businesses are already fighting to survive rising costs and business rates, they shouldn't have to worry about shoplifting too. 

“We need more than just promises, the Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to real neighbourhood policing, with bobbies on the beat and dedicated police counters right here in Devon, so that our fantastic local shoppers and shopkeepers are kept safe."