The past four years have seen a steady increase in the rate of shoplifting in Brighton and Hove.
The total number of thefts from city shops has risen each year from 1,832 in 2010 to 2,028 in 2013 – an overall rise of more than 10%.
However, last year saw a drop in the number of incidents officially considered “solved” by Sussex Police to 1,053 – the lowest rate of the last four years, with 1,176 solved in 2012, 1,138 in 2011 and 1,126 in 2010.
The figures were revealed in a response to a Freedom of Information request by Brighton and Hove News.
It also includes a breakdown of what kind of goods were stolen since 2010.
These include a wide range of items, from computer equipment to musical instruments, food, collection boxes, toys, sweets and, in September 2010, one fish.
A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “Brighton neighbourhood policing and Safe in the City teams have been working with the business community and the Brighton & Hove Business Crime Reduction Partnership in relation to business crime.
“Information is shared on how better to protect themselves and also concerning suspects and those caught offending.
“With the work with BCRP and the Mary Portas Pilot Scheme in the London Road area of the town, shoplifting is being more widely reported.
“Thefts in shops is predominantly relient on people being caught at the time, recognised by witnesses and/or identified from CCTV. Sharing and receiving details with businesses goes a long way to help identify persons, however it is not always the case that a positive identification is made or the suspects are caught on CCTV.
“We will continue to work closely with the businesses and BCRP, sharing information and details, targeting those intent on stealing within our city.”
