Shoplifting is a "major problem" said one city retailer as the number of recorded crimes increases.

Data released by the Home Office show that West Mercia Police recorded 9,775 shoplifting crimes between March 2023 and March 2024 - a 26 per cent increase on the 7,728 recorded the previous year and the highest figures since records began in 2006.

Judy Owen, who owns pre-loved designer clothing shop You Boutique on Friar Street, said: "Though it's a problem I personally don't get in my shop, I know it's a major problem everywhere.

"I've been told that security staff in larger stores, such as supermarkets, are frightened to take action against shoplifters.

"We actually had police officers visit us here at the shop last week to talk to us about general security and give us a phone number for any issues."

Detective chief inspector Jo Whitehead, West Mercia Police's operational lead for shoplifting, said: "We recognise the concern around the increase of shoplifting figures of those from last year and although this follows the national picture, we are dedicated to reducing this across our communities.

"There has been significant progress made over the last six months, which has largely been a result of improved relationships between our officers and retailers."

Despite the regional statistics, progress has been made in Worcester this summer.

The city's safer neighbourhood inspector, Tanya Beckett, said: "In May, in Worcester, there was 115 reported shoplifting offences compared to 54 in July, and so far in August there has been just two shoplifting offences reported.

"We hope to see the continuing decline in retail crime as we work closely with retailers, CCTV operatives, local security teams, and partner agencies to combat shoplifting and bring offenders to justice."

Richard Hayball, who manages Fone Revive in The Shambles, has made changes to the way the shop operates after a recent experience.

Mr Hayball said: "Early in June we had a 15 Pro Max, iPhone's latest model, stolen from the shop - that phone's worth £1,150.

"Now we have to ask customers to wait across the shop when we open our cabinets to show them a phone because people have been using it as an opportunity."