A surge in shoplifting has left businesses counting the cost, with thousands of offences recorded and fewer than one in five cases leading to charges — prompting warnings that struggling high streets cannot endure the pressure.
New figures show shoplifting offences recorded by Devon and Cornwall Police have risen sharply over the past five years, increasing from 3,813 cases in 2020/21 to 11,114 in 2024/25 — a rise of 191.48%.
Despite the increase, just 19.65% of recorded cases in 2024/25 resulted in a charge, raising concerns that many offenders are avoiding justice.
Ian Roome said small businesses in the area “simply cannot afford for this to continue”, while also praising local police efforts to tackle the issue.
In Barnstaple, where shoplifting is among the most commonly reported crimes, measures have been introduced to address the problem. These include the UK Partners Against Crime system, which allows shops to report offences more easily and identify repeat offenders.
Police said the scheme has contributed to recent progress, including a fall in recorded shoplifting in the town in January. However, under-reporting of lower-value theft remains a concern.
Ian said: “Shoplifting is a real problem for businesses across North Devon, and is one of the most commonly reported crimes in Barnstaple.
“There has been real work locally to turn things around. I have met with our local police and I know they are working hard alongside businesses, and recent progress in Barnstaple shows that change is possible. Schemes like UKPAC are helping, and it is encouraging to see signs that these efforts are making a difference.
“But we need to build on this. Hardworking shopowners are already fighting to survive rising costs and business rates, they should not have to worry about shoplifting too. This is a direct result of years of Conservative cuts to community policing, and Labour must fix this.
“I will continue to work with our local police force and businesses to champion neighbourhood policing here in North Devon so that our local shoppers and shopkeepers are kept safe.”
The MP is backing calls for a return to community policing, including a proposed “police counter promise” to guarantee a staffed police desk in local communities.
The Liberal Democrats have also raised concerns about the wider pressures facing small businesses, including rising energy costs, business rates and increases to National Insurance contributions. The party has called for a 5p VAT cut for hospitality businesses and reform of the business rates system.
