Record number of shoplifting crimes recorded in Norfolk

Stores and small shop owners and staff are finding themselves on the frontline of both increasingly brazen gangs and persistent repeat offenders. 

Unions and retail groups said urgent action was needed to address the "concerning trend" to protect employees and customers.

Shoplifting offences recorded in Norfolk rose 30pc in 12 months (Image: PA)

Office for National Statistics figures show there were 4,803 shoplifting offences recorded by Norfolk Constabulary in 2023.

It was up 30pc from 3,686 offences in 2022 and the highest since comparable records began in 2003.

James Lowman, of the Association of Convenience Stores, said the figures were likely to only represent a "fraction of the true picture on shop theft" as the "vast majority" end up not being reported.

READ MORE: Morrisons shoplifting gang jailed after arrest in Dereham

Earlier this year a shoplifting gang responsible for an astonishing crime spree covering hundreds of miles and 47 branches of the same supermarket chain were jailed after being caught in Norfolk.

Robert-claudiu Alexe and Elena-brindusa Efta were part of a shoplifting gang that targeted Morrisons stores (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

The group used foil-lined bags to walk off with at least £65,000 worth of goods from Morrisons outlets.

Another organised operation saw thousands of pounds worth of beauty products during a series of shop raids across the county. 

While a serial shoplifter was jailed this month after attacking security staff and another shop thief - with dozens of previous offences and banned from shops across the county - was sent to prison for assaulting two store workers in Norwich.

Carl Westfield has been jailed for shop thefts despite ban from stores including Morrison (Image: Norfolk Constabulary/Newsquest)

Workers facing threat of violence every day

The East of England Co-op said it had seen the highest ever levels of shoplifting last year, with dozens of shop workers facing abuse from criminals every day.

READ MORE: Norfolk shop staff on frontline as retail violence doubles

Matt Hood, Co-op’s managing director of food retail, said repeat prolific offenders and criminal gangs are driving the spike in shop crime.

Shops have installed extra security measures to combat shoplifting (Image: Getty Images)

The group has invested in body cameras for staff and CCTV, and has also been trialling security measures including secure kiosks, locked doors on high-value products, dummy packaging, and automated CCTV.

“Despite the extensive measures, the reality is that every day four of our colleagues will be attacked and up to a further 116 will be seriously abused,” he added.

Paddy Lillis, of shopworkers union Usdaw, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, theft from shops has long been a major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shop staff. 

READ MORE: Stealing from shops isn’t the victimless crime

Shoplifting is a flashpoint for violence and abuse against workers (Image: Newsquest)

“Having to deal with repeated and persistent shoplifters can cause issues beyond the theft itself like anxiety, fear and in some cases physical harm to retail workers. 

“This increase in shoplifting across the region is further evidence that we are facing an epidemic of retail crime, which is hugely concerning.”

Shops urge action on 'wild west' for brazen thieves

Last year independent shops warned that Norwich was turning into the "wild west" as they pleaded with police to do more.

One shop, Sinsins Boutique of Love in St Benedict's Street, was the victim of four thefts in just three months.

Assistant Sara Matthews, with Sin Sins owner, Helen Shepherd (Image: Helen Shepherd)

The owner Helen Shepherd said shops were frustrated about getting help, with one thief brazenly walking out and suggesting she wouldn't be caught.

READ MORE: Shoplifter jailed over thefts just two weeks into store ban

Norfolk police said it has the highest detection rate for shoplifting in the country.

Last month a prolific shoplifter with hundreds of previous offences was jailed, another who targeted stores across Norwich was convicted, and  a “relentless” retail thief was banned from entering shops in Norfolk and Suffolk.

A man and woman dubbed the 'Poundland Bonnie and Clyde' were also jailed.

Vincent Peach and Chelsea Townsend have been jailed for multiple shoplifting offences (Image: Norfolk Constabulary/Newsquest)

Norfolk chief constable Paul Sanford said tackling shoplifting is priority (Image: Jason Bye)

Chief constable Paul Sanford said: “Shoplifting remains one of the priorities for us, particularly in the city centre and we are currently detecting 37pc of shoplifting offences in Norfolk, the highest detection rate in the country. 

“We are tackling these offences and will strive to bring more criminals to justice, with the continued support of businesses. 

“When taking cases to court it’s important these matters are dealt with swiftly and appropriate sanctions are put in place to prevent further offending.”