Shoplifting recorded in Harborough district rises by 175% in five years
Police has also issued advice on spotting a shoplifter
Latest figures from Leicestershire Police show that recorded shoplifting in the Harborough district jumped by 175 per cent between 2021 and 2025.
The data, obtained from the force through a Freedom of Information request by the Harborough Mail, found there were 165 recorded shoplifting offences in 2021. By 2025, that figure had risen to 454 – an increase of 289.
That means the number of recorded shoplifting offences was almost 2.8 times as high in 2025 as it was in 2021.
Shoplifting was also among the district’s largest recorded crime categories over the full five-year period, with 1,628 offences recorded between 2021 and 2025.
The picture in Harborough reflects trends seen across the country. The Office for National Statistics said there were 530,324 offences reported in the year ending in March 2025.
The ONS said: “Recent increases in police recorded shoplifting likely reflect both growth in offences and improved reporting resulting from closer engagement between police and retailers.
“Reporting rates for shoplifting are known to be very low, and police are actively encouraging the reporting of all incidents and the submission of supporting evidence, such as CCTV, to strengthen intelligence, identify offenders, and link related offences.”
Leicestershire Police has issued advice on spotting shoplifters, but warned business owners to be responsible for their behaviour.
The force said: “Could you spot a shoplifter? They’re not always what you’d expect - specialising in blending in with shoppers. But you can often identify a shoplifter by their behaviour.
“Many shoplifters dress smartly and will often speak to you, joke with you and engage with you. They don’t always work alone, and they may try to relax or distract you while an accomplice steals. They’re good at creating diversions, especially when you’ve unlocked a cabinet. Don’t fall for it. Get one of your staff to assist you.”