CITY traders said they have to be more vigilant about shoplifting after figures show there has been a rapid rise in the crime. 

Police data over the past year shows an increase in shoplifting.

Shop owners in the city centre said they have gangs coming in to take items and have had to take stronger measures to protect their stock.

In September last year there were 95 shoplifting reports, in November 2022 there were 87 while in December there were 77 shoplifting crimes reported to police. 

In comparison, all the months this year have recorded more than 100 shoplifting offences. In May there were 151, in June there were 138 and the last available month of data, for August,  showed there were 144 crimes.

And the Office for National Statistics data, for Worcester, Malvern Hills and Wychavon, was recently released which also shows the rise in shoplifting.

As we previously reported the biggest rise in the data, in the year ending in  June 2023, can be seen in theft offences with 6,816 rising to 7,361 in the space of a year, and 1,729 shoplifting offences last year rising to 2,328.

Naomi Hall, from Fuel Clothing in Reindeer Court, said: "In January we had dummies outside. 

"He (a thief) stole clothes from the dummy. We don't have that outside now. 

Worcester News: SECURITY: Fuel Clothing tightened their security after theftSECURITY: Fuel Clothing tightened their security after theft (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)"We tightened security, we have a lot of CCTV now. 

"We are aware of more theft going on. We are being more vigilant."

Staff at iCrack said: "It is worse now than when we first opened three years ago. 

"They are after phones, cases and accessories. They come in, in groups and we have to keep a watch.

Worcester News: 'WORSE NOW': iCrack in High Street'WORSE NOW': iCrack in High Street (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"We have cameras too - we are looking out for it."

A staff member at Plantamamita said: "We are being more careful.

"It is a concern in the cost of living crisis.  We can see people want to buy but can't afford to, especially later in the month.

Worcester News: CONCERNS: Plantamamita in Reindeer CourtCONCERNS: Plantamamita in Reindeer Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)"We don't want to think they would steal from us."

Staff at Nurse Charlotte's All Kinds of Everything said: "We have had issues, we have to keep an eye on what's going on in the shop. 

"We don't have anything outside anymore after things were stolen, we keep it all in the shop.

Worcester News: 'SAD': Nurse Charlotte's in Broad Street'SAD': Nurse Charlotte's in Broad Street (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"It is concerning, particularly this time of year leading up to Christmas.

"It is a sad situation really."

Chief inspector for South Worcestershire SNT Brian Gibbs said: “Understandably there will be concern about the increase in shoplifting and although this follows the national picture, it is something we are committed to reducing across our communities.

"We are carrying out an array of proactive work to reduce such crimes, both operationally, and from a longer-term problem-solving perspective."

Robin Walker MP for Worcester,  also told us: "It is interesting that there has been a substantial rise in shoplifting as local retailers have raised this as a concern to me. 

"There is a new government initiative to focus on this and increase police action on this."

Worcester Bid was contacted for comment.