Unsolved shoplifting soars in Suffolk, with thousands of cases closed without suspects and reports rising in Bury St Edmunds.
In 2023, there were 1,688 cases. Last year, that number rose to 1,976, and reports of shoplifting also increased from 3,577 to 3,701. Arrests were much lower however.
Police arrested people in 1,560 cases one year and 1,824 arrests the next. Ipswich had the most shoplifting incidents, followed by Lowestoft and Bury St. Edmunds. Other towns also saw shoplifting occur, including Newmarket, Sudbury, and Stowmarket.
Haverhill and Mildenhall recorded fewer incidents, but Bury reported more cases last year. One business leader believes more reporting helps and that businesses trust the police more now. He hopes this leads to less shoplifting later, suggesting more police might deter criminals.
Over 1,700 cases resulted in charges. Some suspects got summonses, while others had postal requisitions. Evidence issues stopped action in 490 cases, and community resolutions resolved 411.
A police chief stated shoplifting is up nationally. They work with others on retail crime, aligning that support with a national action plan. They target repeat offenders together and also help people with drug problems.
The police encourage the public to report shoplifting, which helps them identify new crime patterns. They can then advise local stores.
Suffolk Police want to bring offenders to justice. National statistics show Suffolk is quite safe, ranking third safest for two years straight. Knife crime and robbery went down recently. Shoplifting, though, increased slightly.