Nearly 400 shoplifting offences every week are recorded across the North East and North Yorkshire, according to an Echo investigation.

Police said serial shoplifters have a negative impact on the region’s economy and communities after the Echo found more than 130,000 offences had been logged in just five years.

Business owners say they believe shoplifting will only increase as the cost of living crisis leaves more people struggling to afford essentials.

We asked forces how they tackle the problem and here’s what they told us:

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CLEVELAND POLICE

Home Office figures show the force has recorded 33,250 shoplifting offences since 2017-18, including 5570 last year.

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A spokeswoman for the force said it works with retailers, shopping centre managers and security staff to prevent thefts and monitor trends in order to take appropriate action where there are issues.

She said the force has a dedicated officer that represents Cleveland Police on the North East Retail Crime Partnership and that the Crime Prevention Team play an important part in tackling the crime.

They visit shops to speak to staff and attempt to identify areas where security can be improved, also setting up crime prevention stalls in targeted areas to advise and reassure the public.

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DURHAM CONSTABULARY

Durham Constabulary recorded 21,214 crimes in five years, with officers using a range of methods to tackle shoplifting, including the use of software that allows police and retailers to share information about active offenders.

A spokeswoman said: “We also have several active Shopwatch schemes operating around the force area, which links businesses by radio to each other, as well as the police, and CCTV operations.

“This allows them to quickly share information on active offenders within their area, and creates a forum for the discussion for any retail-related problems.

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“Offenders who commit shoplifting offences are also eligible for our pioneering Checkpoint scheme - the programme gives offenders the opportunity to tackle underlying issues which contribute to their offending such as their mental health, alcohol and drug misuse, with the aim of improving their life chances and diverting them away from reoffending.

“Alternative police action may be taken if the offender fails to comply with the programme or commits further offences during their time on the programme.”

The Northern Echo: North Yorkshire Police logo

NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE

North Yorkshire Police dealt with 19,328 crimes between 2017-18 and 2021-22, including 3,140 last year.

A spokeswoman said the figures showed an overall downward trend but thousands of crimes would “ultimately have a negative impact on our local economy and community.”

She said officers worked with businesses to provide crime prevention advise and provided specialist advice on the design of new developments and refurbishments to reduce the potential of crime and disorder.

She added: “We also offer specialist training so that staff can spot the tell-tale signs that someone is either about to commit a crime or is planning to.

“Project Servator is a policing tactic that uses unpredictable deployments of both uniformed officers and plain clothed officers to look out for and deter a range of criminality in our town centres and other busy locations.

“While not solely aimed at shoplifting, it has the benefit of deterring and targeting many forms of criminality.

“The North Yorkshire Police website also has a range of crime prevention advice for retailers ranging from meeting and greeting customers, the layout of the shop floor to how to spot a potential shoplifter.”

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