County shoplifting fall bucks national trends

Recorded cases drop by more than a third

- Sentinel Reporter

TARGETED police patrols have seen a major reduction in shoplifting across the city centre as other parts of the country have reported record highs.

The situation across the rest of the UK has sparked a warning from a policing chief that some shoplifters 'feel they can rob with impunity'.

But figures released by Staffordshire Police have revealed that the number of reported shoplifting offences in Hanley has decreased by more than 33 percent in the last 12 months.

Since August last year, reported shoplifting offences have decreased from 48 to 11 so far this month.

It follows an increase in targeted patrols in identified 'hotspot' areas and crimes being looked into by an expert investigations bureau.