Avon and Somerset witnessed a startling increase in shoplifting offences last year, hitting the highest numbers since records began in 2003, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.

The figures show a 48% rise from the previous year, with 14,708 incidents recorded in 2023, up from 9,936 in 2022.

John Halliday, Marketing Director at the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), expressed deep concern over the spike.

"These figures paint a troubling picture for independent retailers and businesses across the UK," he said. Halliday highlighted the dual impact of retail crime, noting, "Retail crime not only inflicts financial losses but also poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of shop staff and customers."

A survey by Bira found that 35.5% of shop staff had experienced verbal abuse, and among those physically assaulted, 70% did not report the incidents to the police.

Halliday stressed the urgent need for action: "It's imperative that urgent action is taken to address this concerning trend and ensure the security of both businesses and their employees and customers."

The problem extends beyond the local area, with shoplifting crimes across England and Wales jumping 37%, reaching 430,104 incidents in the year to December 2023, the highest level in 20 years.

James Lowman, Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, described the statistics as "sadly not surprising," pointing out the regularity of theft and the lack of fear among thieves.

"Thieves are stealing on a regular basis without fear of apprehension, so every police force in the country must take theft seriously, not least because challenging thieves is one of the biggest triggers for abuse of shopworkers," he said.

Nick Stripe from the ONS noted that police-recorded crime in the past 12 months shows notable increases in robbery, theft from the person, and shoplifting.

Meanwhile, Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp maintained a positive outlook, saying the figure show that "communities are safer and our plan to cut crime and protect the public is working".

He added: "We know there is always more to do. Earlier this month, we set out tough new action to clamp down on shoplifting and through the Criminal Justice Bill, we are giving the police more powers to seize dangerous weapons."