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There has been a sharp rise in incidents of shoplifting across the West Midlands, official figures show.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows shoplifting offences increased by 38% in the area covered by West Mercia Police, and by 34% in the West Midlands Police area in the 12 months up to September 2023.

Shoplifting offences have also increased by 20% in Warwickshire and 12% in Staffordshire.

West Midlands Police has urged businesses to report all crimes.

Whasuf Farooq is the co-owner of Dennings Hardware & DIY store in Northfield, Birmingham.

Since he opened the shop five months ago, he has experienced numerous cases of shoplifting.

"We try and make measures to make sure people can't steal, but there is always someone who will go across those measures," he said.

Mr Farooq said he did not report the incidents to the police because they "don't really tend to help".

Chief Constable of West Midlands Police Craig Guildford encouraged business owners to report crime to give the force the best chance to catch criminals.

"We will be there, we will be making arrests and we will be investigating those offences," he said.

"So I reassure business owners, you need to contact us when something's happening so that we've got the best chance of catching them."

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