Darlington businesses report over 7,000 shoplifting incidents in a year, sparking concern and action.

Businesses in Darlington are alarmed by rising shoplifting rates, reporting over 7,000 incidents in the past year, with only about 1,500 leading to prosecution. The ShopWatch initiative, launched in 2023, aims to improve communication between shops and police, but some businesses face difficulties joining. While police have enhanced security measures, they acknowledge the need for more action to address repeat offenders and the underlying causes of theft, which ultimately impact consumer prices.

November 04, 2024
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