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Record Number of Shoplifting Crimes Reported in Hampshire

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Shoplifting crimes in Hampshire have reached a record high, with figures showing 16,014 cases recorded by Hampshire Constabulary in the year to March, a 12% increase from the previous year. The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) has warned that shoplifting is not a "victimless crime," as retail stores are increasingly targeted by organized crime gangs. The total number of shoplifting offenses across England and Wales has also risen, with 530,643 cases logged in 2024-25.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of shoplifting crimes recorded by Hampshire Constabulary in the year to March increased by 12% to 16,014, the highest number since comparable records began in 2002-03.
  • Across England and Wales, 530,643 shoplifting offenses were logged in 2024-25, a 20% increase from the previous year and the highest since current police recording practices began.
  • Shoplifting incidents have more than doubled since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary.
  • The ONS figures show 43,981 total theft offenses were recorded by Hampshire Constabulary in 2024-25, a 4% fall from 45,737 a year prior.
  • The force logged 155,383 crimes throughout the recent year, down 3% from 159,987 in 2023-34.
  • In total, police forces recorded 6.6 million crimes in England and Wales in 2024-25, down slightly from 6.7 million in 2023-24.
  • The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a new neighbourhood policing guarantee, which will provide over 500 town centres with extra neighbourhood patrols and action on town centre crime.

Statistics:

  • 16,014 - The number of shoplifting crimes recorded by Hampshire Constabulary in the year to March.
  • 12% - The increase in shoplifting crimes recorded by Hampshire Constabulary in the year to March compared to the previous year.
  • 530,643 - The number of shoplifting offenses logged in England and Wales in 2024-25.
  • 20% - The increase in shoplifting offenses in England and Wales in 2024-25 compared to the previous year.
  • 43,981 - The number of total theft offenses recorded by Hampshire Constabulary in 2024-25.
  • 4% - The fall in total theft offenses recorded by Hampshire Constabulary in 2024-25 compared to the previous year.
  • 155,383 - The total number of crimes logged by Hampshire Constabulary in 2024-25.
  • 3% - The decrease in the total number of crimes logged by Hampshire Constabulary in 2024-25 compared to the previous year.
  • 6.6 million - The number of crimes recorded by police forces in England and Wales in 2024-25.
  • 6.7 million - The number of crimes recorded by police forces in England and Wales in 2023-24.
  • 6.1 million - The number of crimes recorded by police forces in England and Wales in 2019-20.
  • 4.2 million - The number of crimes recorded by police forces in England and Wales in 2014-15.

Sources:

  • Bordon Herald (https://www.bordonherald.com/topic/hampshire)
  • Bordon Herald (https://www.bordonherald.com/topic/hampshire-constabulary)
  • Bordon Herald (https://www.bordonherald.com/topic/wales)
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers)
  • Home Secretary Yvette Cooper

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