Data has shown that the number of thefts has reached a new high. Shoplifting offences in Sussex have increased by a staggering 48 per cent since June 2023, from 12,920 to 19,085, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Meanwhile, the number of thefts in total has risen by 17 per cent from 39,383 offences in June 2022-23 to 45, 994 offences from June 2023-24.
Robberies have also become more frequent, with 1,310 instances in the past year, up from 961 the year before. The ONS reported that the rise in theft offences is predominantly due to the increase in shoplifting and theft "from the person", which has increased by 25 per cent to 1,275 offences. Maisy Allen, an employee from jewellery, clothing and accessory shop Phimmada in Kensington Gardens, Brighton, shared the impact theft has on both their small business and the staff who work there.
She said: “People steal things all the time. “There is no reaction from police or security. One person stole over £1,500 worth of stuff.
Phimmada in Kensington Gardens, Brighton (Image: Google) “The woman that was here when it happened was upset for weeks, she still is now. “We never have the stuff returned to us, the only times we get it back it's because our manager has gone and got it. “It’s just crazy the theft and the crime here.
“You start to blame yourself, our manager has considered shutting the shop because of how little support there is around theft.” Tia Goodey, manager of The Giftree Brighton in .