Police praised after north Wales shoplifting reduction
According to figures released last month by the Office for National Statistics, north Wales was the only Welsh constabulary area to see a reduction in the level of recorded shoplifting incidents, despite a national rise of 10 per cent.
The data shows that in 2024 north Wales saw shoplifting offences drop by five per cent, whereas Gwent had a 32 per cent increase, Dyfed-Powys had a nine per cent rise and south Wales saw incidents increase by 10 per cent.
Ruth Rees, co-owner of Martin Rees Jewellers in Wrexham city centre and former chair of Wrexham Business Group CIC, welcomed the figures.
She told the Leader: "It's very reassuring and encouraging to see this reduction - let's hope it continues.
"I do have a lot of respect for the police. We have a really great town police team who do their very best and they do make a difference.
"We have a very good crime link radio system in Wrexham, which is a big help.
"If definitely helps businesses keep in touch with each other, as well as with the police and CCTV monitoring centre."
Speaking of the impact shoplifting can have on local businesses, she added: "It can be absolutely devastating, especially if you're a smaller business.
"The loss of a substantial amount of stock can just be that thing that puts a business over the edge.
"It's very depressing and makes one angry to think that someone could come into your shop and benefit from your hard work."
Andy White, Buckley town events manager, welcomed the news - but said it wasn't an entirely positive picture in his area.
Andy White (Image: Staff)
He said: "That is good news - anything where crime comes down has to be good.
"But in Buckley, we have had a recent spate of anti-social behaviour recently.
"We have had to close the public toilets again due to mindless vandalism."
Mr White urged traders and residents to communicate with North Wales Police about any concerns or incidents, adding: "The issues we're having at the moment ironically aren't retail-based or shoplifting; it's the vandalism.
"It's all about communication. I'd encourage retailers to communicate with the police, and the public to report incidents as soon as they happen."
Superintendent Mark Williams, North Wales Police lead for retail theft, said the drop in offences has been mirrored by a rise in criminals being brought to justice.
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He explained: 'This year we have seen increased convictions for shoplifting and reduced offending which is a credit to the hard-working officers and staff across North Wales.
'Retail theft is not a 'victimless crime' and has a genuine impact on the businesses and staff affected by it.
"We will continue to work hard to bring offenders to justice to protect those working in the retail sector.'
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