A multi-agency pilot scheme is being considered to tackle shoplifting in Suffolk as latest crime figures show there had been an 18% increase in thefts from stores, which a charity manager believed to be linked to families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Paul Simon, head of public affairs at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said police were looking at a more 'joined-up approach' to deterrence and detection for shoplifting by partnering with Business Improvement Districts, among other agencies.
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He called for the scheme to be implemented 'sooner rather than later'.
There was also a three percent rise in bicycle theft year-on-year.
READ MORE: Crimes rise 8% in Suffolk, especially retail and bike thefts
However, there was a four percent drop in crime overall with steep declines in residential burglary, 18%, a 15% fall in public order offences and a 17% decrease in stalking and harassment.
Violence with injury was up by seven percent, although violence against the person had gone down by four percent.
Mike Smith, a joint manager of Stowmarket Foodbank, which provides emergency food to people in crisis, was in no doubt that the rise in shoplifting was linked to the cost-of-living crisis.
He said: "Does the cost of living crisis encourage people to steal? Of course it does. Nobody steals when they have got lots of money in their pocket.
"Some people just have not got enough. Their money's not lasting until the end of the week.
"It is a direct correlation to the state of the society that we are in at the moment."
The result was that the foodbank was having to limit the number of food parcels and was looking to open a pop-up shop to cope with demand.
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Mr Simon said: “Suffolk Chamber is aware of the worrying growth in reported shoplifting across the county and its impact on the business margins of our retail sectors members and crucially, on their staff.
“We recently raised the issue with Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and advocated a more joined-up approach to available deterrence and detection involving a range of agencies in addition to the police, including Business Improvement Districts, such as Lowestoft Vision, which is managed by Suffolk Chamber.
"We understand that Suffolk Constabulary are looking at just such a pilot scheme and we would urge that this is rolled out sooner rather than later.”
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A spokesperson for Suffolk Police said police continued to work with town centre shops and CCTV to reduce shoplifting offences, while high visibility and covert patrols were carried out to try and disrupt offenders, particularly persistent criminals who refused to change.
Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones said: “Suffolk continues to have relatively low crime rates and the ONS figures for Suffolk show broadly similar trends to those seen nationally, however, understanding the reasons behind increases in some crime types is a complex matter.
“Through analysis we know the majority of knife-related crime is being committed by those known to one another and often previously known to the police.
"For example, a large proportion is associated with illegal drug activity, be it local groups or those with links to county lines.
“Our activity to combat crime involves regular review of crime reports, ensuring targeted patrols are deployed effectively, following up on intelligence reports and information from the public, conducting arrests as well as conducting various operational initiatives.
"The presence of our dedicated teams such as the Serious Crime Disruption Team, Operation Scorpion units and Op Sentinel roads-based teams, along with locally-based officers, ensure we are always on the front foot, taking positive action.
“We are also looking forward to the launch of our new operation model in December to ensure we continue to provide the best possible service for the public – it is crucial for officers to be where people need them to be, when they are needed the most.
“This reshaping of our local policing structure will enhance the way we respond to emergencies, deal with other incidents, investigate offences, prevent crime and interact with communities across Suffolk.
“Finally, it’s easy to forget that the vast majority of our officers and staff are residents in the county so we all have a vested interest in tackling crime, while the support and assistance we receive from the public is absolutely key.
"We do not take this public trust and confidence lightly and continue to work tirelessly to the benefit of our communities.”
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