Worthing ranked second for shoplifting rates in UK study

Worthing has been ranked the second highest shoplifting hotspot in the UK, with 22.8 incidents recorded per 1,000 people, according to a new study.

The research, carried out by commercial security systems provider Avigilon, analysed Office for National Statistics data covering a 12 month period. It found that shoplifting accounted for around 25 per cent of all recorded crime in the town, placing it among the highest proportions nationally.

Sussex Police said it does not recognise some of the claims made in the studies but confirmed that tackling shoplifting remains a priority. Increased patrols, partnership working with businesses and targeted operations have led to prosecutions of repeat offenders.