Liz Jarvis MP condemns “surge” in shoplifting as offences in Hampshire more than double in last 5 years

The number of shoplifting cases in Hampshire has surged in the past five years, whilst just 29% of cases recorded by Hampshire Police resulted in a charge, according to House of Commons Library data analysed by the Liberal Democrats. 

Liz Jarvis is calling for a return to genuine community policing, and has said the Government should make a ‘Police Counter Promise’, which would guarantee a staffed police desk in communities across Eastleigh. The Liberal Democrats say a visible police presence would rebuild public confidence that local crime here in Eastleigh was taken seriously.

Shoplifting in Hampshire has skyrocketed in the past five years, with 15,992 cases recorded by Hampshire Police last year, more than doubling since 2020/21.

Meanwhile, of the shoplifting cases reported to Hampshire Police just 29% resulted in a charge last year, with a huge number of suspects getting away scot free.

The Lib Dems have also raised concerns that shoplifting is particularly hitting small businesses on our high streets here in Eastleigh who are already under mounting pressure from rising energy bills, unfair business rates and extra costs from the Chancellor’s National Insurance Contribution rise. Ms Jarvis has called for a 5p VAT cut for our hospitality businesses and urgent reform of the business rates system to breathe life back into our high streets.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh Liz Jarvis said: 

“Local businesses in Eastleigh and across Hampshire are struggling with a surge in shoplifting. This is the direct result of years of Conservative cuts to community policing, followed by Labour’s failure to fix the damage.

“It is unacceptable that the hardworking people in our local stores are being left to fend for themselves. Our independent businesses are already fighting to survive rising costs and business rates, they shouldn't have to worry about shoplifting too. 

“We need more than just promises. Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to real neighbourhood policing, with bobbies on the beat and dedicated police counters so that our fantastic local shoppers and shopkeepers are kept safe."