Shoplifting On The Rise In Northern Ireland

Although the overall number of crime incidents was down by 6% during the period between April 2023 to March 2024, compared to the previous 12 months, the number of shoplifting incidents spiralled according to figures published by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The statistics show that shoplifting was up by nearly 20%, a huge hike, with food thefts the highest on the agenda. Of course there could be a link between the rise in shoplifting and with the rise in inflation and energy bills which caused such a cost of living crisis during this period. Some people in desperate times resorted to desperate measures.

Areas Of Concern Include Hate-Motivated Incidents And Shoplifting

Speaking about the general crime statistics in an article on the BBC News website, (PSNI) Deputy Chief Constable Chris Todd said the statistics were “very welcome”.

“These efforts are all the more remarkable given the significant resource pressures which our officers and staff have found themselves working under throughout this period.”

However, he added there were some “areas of concern particularly relating to hate-motivated incidents and shoplifting”.

And in the same article Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Neil Johnston, called for the PSNI to outline a plan of action:

“It is not just an issue of scale; retailers talk about how the nature of these thefts has changed. Thieves have become bolder and more aggressive, and the impact on retail workers is severe,” he said.

“The industry is understandably frustrated. While retailers have spent record sums on crime prevention to protect their colleagues, the response from government and law enforcement has been inadequate.”

Here To Support Business Owners And Retailers

And also in the very same article PSNI Insp Pete Cunningham said the force was aware that the rise in shoplifting crime “will cause concern”.

“[We] want business owners and retailers across Northern Ireland to know that we are here to support them and offer advice on how they can protect themselves against criminals,” he said.

“Our dedicated neighbourhood teams and Crime Prevention Officers are committed to tackling retail crime, which has a significant for business owners and retailers, their staff and the wider local community.

“At a time when so many are facing financial pressure, it’s important everyone works together to reduce this issue.”

Retailers and their staff should be able to go to work without the fear of being assaulted by people who are shoplifting, so whilst the overall crime figures are quite positive there needs to be a serious plan put into action by all the relevant authorities to combat this rising crime.