VIGILANT shopkeepers in the city have said they are "not surprised" that shoplifting figures are on the rise.

There was a record number of shoplifting offences recorded by West Mercia Police last year, new figures from the Office for National Statistics figures show.

There were 9,898 shoplifting offences recorded across the region in 2023. It was up 39 per cent from 7,113 offences in 2022 and the highest since comparable records in 2003.

In the last 12 months, from March 2023 to February 2024, there were 571 incidents of shoplifting recorded in the city centre 'Cathedral' area, according to Police.UK statistics. 

Several shop owners have reacted to the current state of shoplifting in the city centre, with some taking extra precautions to help prevent it.

Naomi Hall, of Fuel Clothing at Reindeer Court, said they have recently installed more CCTV in the store.

She said it's "not surprising" that police are dealing with more incidents of shoplifting. She believes it may also be linked to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Ms Hall said: "It's sad to see.

"It's not good that they are stealing but there must be a reason why they're doing it".

Esther Shut has run her card shop, The Little Card Shop, in the Crowngate Shopping Centre for 26 years.

She said: "I have on my phone a list of thieves.

"And if they come back here I say 'I'm sorry you're no longer welcome in my shop.'

"The best thing we ever did was invest in CCTV. I have had men fill their pockets.

"We work very hard for the little we make - so we have to watch out".

Nicky Clarke, the manager at Toy Town, said: "It has gotten worse without a doubt. It's people you wouldn't normally think shoplifting.

"We are watching everyone now because you just can't tell anymore. We used to spot them a mile off."

She said the threat of shoplifting has increased workloads, with staff watching customers on the till, shop floor, and occasionally on the door.

Antonia Henson, who runs the Monkee Business retro shop, said the team are "very conscious" of the rise in shoplifting.

She said it's "very rare" that people "get away with it" because of staff keeping vigilant.

Rachael Evans, who runs New England County Store, added: "It's very concerning for everybody. It has a bigger impact on us smaller retailers".

Joel Brown, a loss prevention advisor for a High Street store, added: "Shoplifting is on the rise on Worcester High Street.

"I've dealt with quite a lot of incidents with repeat offenders".

Worcester BID created a 'Safer Streets Officer' role last year to support businesses.

BID chief executive Sam McCarthy said: "They needed somebody that would help them feel safe - somebody to call and speak to.

"Most of the time it's about being vigilant and it's about deterring. The Worcester BID's key focus is community safety."

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “There’s no doubt that shoplifting is an ongoing issue across the areas we serve, as well as nationally.

“We recognise the impact this type of theft has on communities and our safer neighbourhood teams continue to work in partnership with local retailers, councils, and business groups to help tackle and prevent it".

Across England and Wales, shoplifting crimes jumped 37 per cent with 430,104 recorded in the year to December 2023.

It was the highest level in 20 years.