Crime map reveals Essex areas where shoplifting is rife

A NEW crime map has revealed the Essex areas most plagued by the retail theft “epidemic”. It shows that one part of Essex was hit by shoplifters on a near daily basis.

- By MATT LEE

Police in England and Wales recorded more than 500,000 shoplifting offences in 2024, a huge 20 per cent surge on the previous year and the highest number since records began more than 20 years ago. That includes 14,244 shoplifting crimes recorded by Essex Police, a 22 per cent increase. Essex Police say they are now prosecuting offenders faster than ever before.

The British Independent Retail Association (Bira) has described the rise in shoplifting as a “tipping point.” Bira says it shows that some criminals believe they can “walk into a shop, take what they want in full view of staff and customers, and walk out knowing there will be no consequences”. At the same time, security firms are reporting a “massive increase in pensioners shoplifting” driven by cost-of-living pressures.