Shoplifting increased 15% across Suffolk last year

There were 3,572 shoplifting offences recorded by Suffolk Police in 2023, an increase of 15% on figures for the previous year, according to data provided by the Office for National Statistics. 

The highest increase was recorded in east Suffolk where 889 cases were reported, some 54% more than the previous year. 

Meanwhile in the west of the county, 1,139 instances of shoplifting were recorded, up 13% since 2022.

In Ipswich, there were 1,521 cases, where a 1% year-on-year increase was recorded.

Despite the rise, the CEO of Bury St Edmunds' Business Improvement District says he is 'confident' a new policing strategy and work on improving reporting will lead to a reduction in retail crime.

A spokesperson for the Ipswich BID says they 'remain committed to tackling shoplifting across the town'.  

Mark Cordell, CEO of Bury St Edmunds BID, said: "Certainly during last year, I was very concerned regarding the increase in retail crime in Bury, which was compounded by a lack of confidence in the police responding as so much of the crime was being unreported.

"Since then, the constabulary have introduced a new policing strategy which has directly led to a more visible presence of officers in the town centre and a commitment to follow up reports of any retail crime in person.

"Additionally, we are working with the police in improving the reporting of this category of crime and exchanging information, which I am confident will lead to a further reduction in retail crime and an increase in dealing with the offenders."

Mark Cordell, CEO of Bury St Edmunds BID (Image: Newsquest)

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Ipswich Central, the business improvement district for Ipswich, said: "Shoplifting hurts retail at the time it can least afford it.

"We invest in a street security team to work with police and businesses, for the benefit of the town centre. They proactively patrol to deter shoplifters, reassure shoppers and, where possible, retrieve and return stolen items. 

"This year alone they have recovered thousands of pounds of stock and deterred around £15,000 more. In just the last few days they have worked with police to catch three prolific shoplifters leading to police arrest.

"We remain committed to tackling shoplifting across the town, showing a clear message that shoplifters are not welcome in Ipswich," they added.

The street security team in Ipswich (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The street security team is made up of three dedicated staff funded by Ipswich Central in collaboration with My Local Bobby.

They work to deal with anti-social behaviour and shoplifting in collaboration with police and Ipswich Borough Council.

Of the situation in Bury St Edmunds, Chief Inspector Andy Pursehouse said: “In December we introduced the new policing model which saw officers put into specific Neighbourhood Policing roles.

"These officers are dedicated to dealing with local issues, providing high visibility patrols and engagement with communities.

"We have responded to concerns raised and are working closely with our partners to focus on supporting the town centre businesses and providing more visible policing to deter criminality.”

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesperson said: "Crime trends fluctuate regularly across the county and this could be for a variety of reasons.

"Suffolk Constabulary continues to work to tackle shoplifting and pursue and prosecute offenders where possible, including using preventative powers such as Criminal Behaviour Orders. Crime prevention advice is available to retailers and we would urge them to report any incidents of shoplifting.

"By reporting you are not only allowing officers to investigate but also providing police with the information that can be used to map crimes and see emerging crime trends. This can then be used to support preventative action, including when giving advice and guidance to local retailers.

"Officers will continue to work with partners on ways to deter and detect those responsible. Businesses can find crime prevention advice on the Suffolk Constabulary website or can get in touch to request further guidance."