Sharp Rise In Shoplifting

Theft from retail shops doubled in January according to new figures published by Police.

A total of 52 offences were recorded in January, compared to 24 the previous month. In October last year Just 12 offences were recorded.

Most of the offences were clustered around the town's superemarkets and Madford Retail Park in Ware Road.

As a percentage of all crime in the town, shoplifting represents 16.1%, making it the second most common type of crime after Violence & Sexual Offences (16.6%).

  Shoplifting peaked in January

Overall crime rose 2.7%, with falls in reports of anti-social behaviour and bike theft helping to keep figures down.

A full breakdown of crime statistics can be found on the police.uk website.