Shoplifting in Hampshire increases by 32% new data reveals

Data from the Office of National Statistics has shown that Hampshire has seen a 32 per cent increase in shoplifting, with figures rising from over 8,000 in June 2022 to 11,000 offences in June 2023.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said the force has ‘recently returned to a local model of policing so that officers are more connected to the communities they serve’.

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The localised model of policing, introduced by the force in June, aims to strengthen neighbourhood policing and introduce Neighbourhood Enforcement Teams to target prolific criminals and hotspots in Hampshire.

They added: “This includes working alongside local businesses and local partnerships, as well as carrying out dedicated patrols to disrupt offending.

“Recently, we have shared many cases where those committing shoplifting offences have been brought before the courts and sentenced for their crimes.

“We have been proactively working alongside businesses and encouraging them to report these crimes to us so that we can effectively investigate and target our resources where they are most needed.

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"This work of course continues in Andover.

"On 1 December, officers from the Test Valley Priority Crime Team conducted an operation targeting shoplifters from outside the Andover area that operate within the town.

"In total, seven arrests were made. Four women aged between 19 and 31, and from Southampton, were arrested and charged with shoplifting.

"A 32-year-old man from Kent and a 34-year-old man from London were also arrested and charged with shoplifting.

"During the operation, the District Patrol Team arrested a local woman for shoplifting and she was later summonsed to court.

"In total, £1,600 worth of stolen property was recovered during the operation."