Shoplifting is on the rise in Telford with the number of offences up by a fifth on last year’s figure, police today said.

Officers in the town said that despite the increase, the level of thefts from shops was still no higher than the national average and about three quarters of all incidents resulted in offenders being caught, with the detection rate in the borough running at between 70 and 75 per cent.

Constable Pete Simmonds, of Telford police, said latest business survey findings had revealed shoplifting was currently about 20 per cent up on this time last year.

Mr Simmonds said: “Even though there has been a rise we are up to no more than the national average now.

“We have a very proactive approach to retail crime in Telford and dedicated units tackling the problem so more cases are probably being reported as a result and our detection rate is quite high.

“The message to criminals is simple. Come to Telford to commit crime and you will get caught.”

Mr Simmonds said there was traditionally a rise in shoplifting in the run-up to Christmas but he believed some offenders were using the recession as an excuse.

He said: “I hate the term shoplifting because it softens the crime. The people responsible for it are thieves, nothing else, and their actions are downright criminal.

“There are professionals at large and they can tend to use the excuse that they commit the crime because of the hardship of the recession.

“The fact is that it is a rarity for anyone to just steal something like food items to keep their families fed.

“They steal things like cosmetics and clothing and then sell them on. Some of them turn shoplifting into quite a profitable business.”

Mr Simmonds said that the Telford Retailers Against Crime partnership between police and businesses had proved successful in cracking down on the shoplifters.

He added: “Many store owners have radios linked to a police frequency and so if they spot someone acting suspiciously or any untoward behaviour then they raise the alarm and we can be on the scene in minutes.

“The use of technology such as the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System has also helped combat crime coming into the Telford area from outside, as well as within the borough itself.”

Anyone who spots a crime or has information they believe could help officers should call Telford police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.