We're seeing more well-off shoplifters'

Middle-class thieves turn stealing into a business

- By Imogen Howse

FED-UP business owners in a market town have launched a vigilante WhatsApp group after a rise in "well-off middle-aged" shoplifters.

Traders in Haslemere, Surrey, say the crime has got so bad in recent months that messages are sent in the group "every single day".

Shop owners let each other know if they have been stolen from and share CCTV footage of known criminals. They say the problem has been exacerbated by a "lack of police presence" in the town.

One business owner claimed the shoplifters she sees the most often are "well-off middle-aged women".

Inge Dunbar, 55, who owns gift shop Sass and Spirit, said: "When it started happening, I knew I had to get CCTV. And I had to hire another staff member so there are two of us covering the shop.

"From me, people steal clothes and jewellery mainly and [collectible soft toy] Jellycats.

"If someone's stealing bread you of course feel sympathy because they're struggling.

"But when they're stealing in a shop like this? That's not to do with the cost-of-living crisis.

"What we get most often is actually well-off middle-aged women."

Ms Dunbar said all business owners in Haslemere are aware of particular shoplifters but there is still a lack of action from police.