NEW data has revealed that Merseyside is in the top 25 most dangerous areas for shoplifting in the UK.

A report from TradingPedia has analysed available data from Office of National Statistics year ending December 2022 in order to find out which parts of the country are most affected by the criminal offence.

Shoplifting rates were calculated based on 100,000 residents. 

Merseyside was ranked in 23rd place, out of a possible 46 areas, with 507 shoplifting crimes per 100,000 residents.

Where are the most dangerous and least dangerous areas in the UK?

The most dangerous area in the UK was the City of London. With a population of 8,600 residents, it recorded 680 shoplifting incidents in 2022, which pushes its crime rate to 7,907 per 100,000 residents.

The most dangerous UK region in terms of shoplifting was given to the North East with an average rate of 778 offences per 100,000 people as confirmed by the Office of National Statistics.

The next three areas with the highest number of offences per capita in 2022 are located there – Cleveland, Durham, and Northumbria. 

The South East is the wealthiest UK region with over 50% of its households not deprived in any area. It is there that Surrey, the county that secures the lowest shoplifting rate, is located. 

'It is pleasing to see that Merseyside is midway down in the overall table'

Inspector Sharon Robinson said: “It is pleasing to see that Merseyside is midway down in the overall table provided by Trading Pedia for shoplifting statistics, considering the high number of shops we have here in Merseyside across the various towns, villages and of course Liverpool city centre.

“However, we know that shoplifting has a negative impact on our local economy and community and we understand the impact it has on businesses.

"We recognise the important role that policing plays in tackling offenders and supporting retailers in reducing the number of offences committed and in keeping their staff safe.

"We regularly patrol areas the community tells us they have concerns about, and provide advice and reassurance. We also visit local businesses and discuss practical ways they can help protect their business from thefts and robberies.

"We do everything we can to investigate reports and where there is evidence that leads to the identification of a suspect we will pursue action through the courts if appropriate."

To report an incident of shoplifting, please call the police on 101. If a crime is in progress or you are being threatened, always call 999.