Crime rise could be a lot worse than feared

A SHARP increase in shoplifting in Wealden could be even higher than figures show, the Courier can reveal.

The latest annual crime figures for the district show a rise of 16 per cent in shoplifting, yet speaking to shop owners, it becomes apparent many more instances are going unreported.

Jo Hutson, who runs the Crowborough Animal Welfare Society shop in Jarvis Brook, claimed shoplifting was a major issue, but she didn't report most cases.

"People have always done it, but it is certainly on the increase," she said. "We actually do know who they are. I don't report it because they (the police) wouldn't be interested and we couldn't prove it."

Her thoughts were echoed by newsagents Vicky Thavaragh, who runs New Plus on Crowborough Hill, and Michael Fitt from C V Fieldbuss in the town centre.

Mr Thavaragh described how the latest incident of shoplifting in his store saw a man hide a magazine worth £4.20 within a newspaper as he came to pay.

"It caught it on the camera, and he is a regular," said Mr Thavaragh. "I always report it if it is a big amount but small ones I just warn them instead."

Mr Fitt added: "I don't think you get anywhere reporting it. The police just haven't got the time to deal with it."

Sussex Police reported an overall drop in crime in Wealden during the last financial year, but despite this there were around 40 more cases of shoplifting reported, while nearby, in Rother, shoplifting was up by only one per cent.

While some shops seem to have born the brunt of the crime, others expressed surprise at the rise.

Mani Sathya, who runs Rotherfield Stores and Brenda Humphrey, who runs Costcutters in Wadhurst, revealed they had seen little shoplifting.

Responding to the statistics, Inspector Julia Pope, Wealden area division commander, admitted the force had not put any additional manpower into tackling the problem.

"We are obviously aware of the recent stats but I can't say we are making a direct response," she said. "It is just one of those things which seems to go in cycles."

One thing she did focus on was the recent rise in thefts from sheds and garages.

She suggested this may be due to the recession which was creating a black market for the goods.