Shoplifting in Darlington is "horrendous", forcing many small businesses to "jeopardise" their jobs and close down, shop owners in the town centre say.

We took to Darlington town centre to speak with businesses about their opinion of the Shopwatch initiative and the issue of shoplifting in the town centre. 

The Shopwatch initiative was introduced in 2023 to help combat the issue of shoplifting in Darlington.

(Image: Darlington Police)

New figures show more than 7,000 offences occurred in County Durham and Darlington over the past year, yet only around 1,500 cases resulted in prosecution.

There are over 50 shops included in the Shopwatch scheme with more trying to join.

Rosanne Sanderson from Bobby J’s Baby Boutique, on Bondgate, said: “We would love to be a part of this scheme as I think it is a really good idea but unfortunately, we haven’t been accepted to join the programme.

“They said it was because we didn’t have enough shoplifting police records, but it is still a major issue for us we are just able to catch them early, or the other way when we don’t realise and then do realise too late.

“It does seem counterintuitive as they initially said it was for small businesses, yet they won’t accept us as we don’t have enough shoplifting.”

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Hannah, the manager of Maxi Deals, said: “We are trying to get back into the scheme as when the last manager left and I took over we now have to renew our membership.

“I think it has been a really good scheme and successful as every business can work together to identify shoplifters targeting the town and then be on the lookout for them.

“It helps keep people alert as at the moment shoplifting in Darlington is horrendous and it ends up jeopardising people's jobs as so many shops shut down because of shoplifting.”

Linda Harker, from Toyland Toy Shop, said: “We have had cases go to court but not much has ever come from this as it does always seem to be the same type of regulars.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

“I think it is a good initiative to help tackle the regular offenders and keep track of what they’re doing if they have shoplifted anywhere else as the radio is always going off.

“It’s a good start to see them starting to do something about shoplifting and I think it is working for what it is as we do need to tackle shoplifters.”

Darlington Borough Council have been contacted to comment in regards to Bobby J's Baby Boutique not being able to join the scheme but failed to provide comment in time for publication.