Suffolk Police figures reveal more everyday food items reported as shoplifted this year compared to 2022 amid cost-of-living crisis

Groceries are now the most shoplifted item reported to police in Suffolk, overtaking spirits, figures have revealed.

A charity boss said the data did not surprise her, with more people struggling to afford everyday necessities amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The charity, Gatehouse, based in Bury St Edmunds, has itself seen a rise in shoplifting at its own shop selling second-hand goods.

The figures from Suffolk Police, provided to SuffolkNews following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, reveal 394 shoplifted items reported fell under ‘miscellaneous groceries’, which was the highest number for any category for 2023 so far, up to November 17. Second highest for 2023 was ‘spirits’ with 211.

A police spokesman explained the category ‘miscellaneous groceries’ largely covered food items, but also nicotine/vaping products, CBD oil, washing products etc.

Last year, spirits was the most shoplifted product reported to Suffolk Police with 255, with miscellaneous groceries behind it at 230 items.

SuffolkNews also added other general food items – baby food, bakery products, dairy products, condiments, fruit and vegetables, meat/fish/poultry/game – together with miscellaneous groceries and these everyday products still featured as the most shoplifted this year, at 552, ahead of all types of alcohol.

Amanda Bloomfield, chief executive of the Gatehouse charity, said: “These figures don’t surprise me and there’s certainly more and more people struggling with [affording] everyday necessities.”

She added: “We are certainly seeing a lot more customers coming to us struggling, unable to budget within the cost-of-living crisis.

“We also as a charity shop have had an increase in shoplifting.”

Ms Bloomfield said the charity’s shop, which sells second-hand items like clothing, jewellery and furniture, had seen a rise in shoplifting this year.

She added: “I think it just shows the desperation in people at the moment and the extra pressures they are under, particularly at this time of year.

“And, of course, the more shoplifting there is, the higher the food prices will go anyway to cover the cost of the shoplifting. It’s a vicious circle at the moment.”

In terms of what could be done to support those struggling, Ms Bloomfield said: “There needs to be more of a focus on budgeting, ensuring people are getting all of the benefits they are entitled to and can claim.

“Certainly in terms of some of the people we are now seeing, they have never claimed benefits in their lives and don’t know where to turn for help.”

She said it was difficult to break down the stigma of accepting help and signpost people to the right places. All of the services in Bury – debt counselling, foodbanks, advice, mental health – were so inundated by clients they were struggling to reach those who really need the help, she added.

Of the figures, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “It may well be a reflection of of the difficulties some people are facing financially, which I do understand, but that is of course not an excuse to commit theft.”

He recently met with Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds BID (Business Improvement District) in Bury, to discuss shoplifting and how partners can work together to improve the levels of prevention, recording and detection of this crime.

Mr Passmore said ‘we need a solution’ to the issue of shoplifting, adding: “That’s why it’s so important we get the economy growing so hopefully less people are tempted by this activity.”

The number of shoplifted items reported to Suffolk Police this year has already overtaken last year, with 2,158, up to November 17, compared to 2,108 for 2022.

The items that also feature as among the most stolen in 2023 so far include the categories of cleaning products (101), cosmetics (88), confectionery (75), perfume (63) and non-alcoholic drinks (59).

The managing director of Denny Bros Supplies in Bury recently spoke about the ‘devastating’ impact of shoplifting.

A Suffolk Police spokesman said they continued to work to tackle shoplifting and pursue and prosecute offenders where possible, and would continue to work with partners on ways to deter and detect those responsible.

Police urged retailers to report any incidents of shoplifting, saying: “By reporting you are not only allowing officers to investigate but also providing police with the information that can be used to map crimes and see emerging crime trends.

“This can then be used to support preventative action, including when giving advice and guidance to local retailers.”

Businesses can also find crime prevention advice on the police website or can get in touch to request further guidance.