POLICE in Hampshire are 'proactively working alongside businesses' to reduce shoplifting after new data showcases a rise in retail crime by one-third.

Data from the Office of National Statistics has shown that Hampshire has seen a 32 per cent increase in shoplifting, with figures rising from over 8,000 in June 2022 to 11,000 offences in June 2023.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said the force has ‘recently returned to a local model of policing so that officers are more connected to the communities they serve’.

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The localised model of policing, introduced by the force in June, aims to strengthen neighbourhood policing and introduce Neighbourhood Enforcement Teams to target prolific criminals and hotspots in Hampshire.

They added: “This includes working alongside local businesses and local partnerships, as well as carrying out dedicated patrols to disrupt offending.”

“Recently, we have shared many cases where those committing shoplifting offences have been brought before the courts and sentenced for their crimes.

“We have been proactively working alongside businesses and encouraging them to report these crimes to us so that we can effectively investigate and target our resources where they are most needed.

“This work of course continues in Basingstoke where a number of people were charged and jailed for shoplifting offences over the last couple of months.

“In October, a man was jailed for four months after admitting multiple shoplifting offences in the town.

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“Adrian Paul O’Leary, 44, of no fixed abode, was charged with 26 counts of theft from a shop.

“All offences took place at the One Stop on Shakespeare Road between 18 September and 11 October. In total, more than £3,000 worth of items were reported to have been stolen.

“O’Leary pleaded guilty to the offences at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 19 October and was sentenced to four months in prison.

“In November, Terrell Taylor-Swhyer, 20, from Taverner Close, Basingstoke, was charged with three counts of theft from a shop.

“It comes after officers received reports that steak worth more than £290 was stolen from Waitrose in Basingstoke on three separate occasions between 17 October and 2 November.

“Taylor-Swhyer is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 15 December.”