Nottinghamshire has been identified as having the second-highest shoplifting rate in England, with 13 incidents per 1,000 people, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The troubling figures, which reflect the year up to June 2024, rank the county just below Cleveland in the North East. Despite this, Nottinghamshire Police insists the statistics do not fully represent their significant efforts to combat retail crime and support local businesses.
Assistant Chief Constable Suk Verma attributed the high numbers to local retailers’ confidence in reporting crimes and the force’s proactive approach to tackling offenders. “We take business crime extremely seriously,” Mr Verma said. “Our determination to address retail crime has led to significant changes, including establishing priority tasking teams and remodeling our neighborhood policing approach to target persistent offenders.”
Nottinghamshire Police recorded 15,085 shoplifting offences during the period, more than double the figures reported in neighboring counties Derbyshire and Leicestershire. Yet, the force boasts a higher positive outcome rate than similarly sized forces, securing 390 arrests this year and obtaining Criminal Behaviour Orders to prevent offenders from returning to targeted areas, such as Nottingham’s Bridlesmith Gate.
Efforts to tackle shoplifting go beyond enforcement. Nottinghamshire Police operates a prevention hub aimed at addressing the root causes of theft, such as drug addiction. Through initiatives like “Operation Motivation” and the “Offender to Rehab” scheme, the force works with community partners to divert offenders from criminal activity while cracking down on the sale of stolen goods.
Jeremy Wilson, of the Nottingham Recovery Network, noted that many shoplifters are desperate addicts funding habits through theft, often stealing and selling £400 worth of goods daily. Nottinghamshire Police aims to break this cycle by offering rehabilitation opportunities, but Mr Verma emphasized that persistent offenders will face the full force of the law.
Although shoplifting rates remain high, Nottinghamshire Police’s approach is being recognized as a model for other forces across the UK. The county’s 11% year-on-year rise in shoplifting offences is comparatively modest, and Mr Verma believes their partnership with local businesses and councils is yielding results.
“Our approach is being used nationally as an example of good practice,” Mr Verma said. “We are making it as difficult as possible for offenders to operate here, and the tide is turning.”
Bassetlaw and Nottinghamshire residents remain hopeful that these efforts will continue to improve safety for businesses and communities alike.
