Shoplifting steadily increasing across Brighton and Hove

Shoplifting from businesses in Brighton and Hove has increased steadily over the past four years, recently-obtained figures prove.

The total number of thefts from city shops has risen each year from 1,832 in 2010 to 2,028 in 2013 - representing an overall increase of more than 10%.

Last year, however, saw a drop in the number of incidents officially considered 'solved' by Sussex Police to 1,053 - the lowest rate of the last four years, with 1,176 solved in 2012, 1,138 in 2011 and 1,126 in 2010.

The figures were revealed in a response to a Freedom of Information Act request, which also included a breakdown of what kind of goods were stolen since 2010.

Among the items listed were computer equipment, musical instruments, toys, sweets and, in September 2010, even a goldfish.

The list also included food and charity collection boxes.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said work was on-going to tackle the problem. They said: 'Brighton neighbourhood policing and Safe in the City teams have been working with the business community and the Brighton and Hove Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in relation to business crime.

'Information is shared on how better to protect themselves and also concerning suspects and those caught offending.

'With the work with BCRP and he Mary Portas Pilot Scheme in the London Road area of the town, shoplifting is being more widely-reported.

'Thefts in shops are predominantly reliant on people being caught at the time, recognised by witnesses and/or identified from CCTV. Sharing and receiving details with businesses goes a long way to help identify persons, however, it is not always the case that a positive identification is made or the suspects are caught on CCTV.

'We will continue to work closely with the businesses and BCRP, sharing information and details, targeting those intent on stealing within our city.'