There was a rise in shoplifting offences recorded in Thames Valley last year, new figure show.

Across England and Wales, shoplifting crimes jumped 37% with 430,104 recorded in the year to December 2023. It was the highest level in 20 years.

John Halliday, marketing director for Bira, said the latest figures "paint a troubling picture for independent retailers and businesses across the UK".

He said: "Retail crime not only inflicts financial losses but also poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of shop staff and customers."

"It's imperative that urgent action is taken to address this concerning trend and ensure the security of both businesses and their employees and customers," he said.

The figures show 81,094 robberies were recorded in England and Wales in 2023, up 13% from the year before.

The number of offences involving theft from the person rose 18% from 2022, reaching 125,563 recorded crimes last year.

In Thames Valley, there were 1,338 robbery offences in 2023, up from 1,118 the year before.

There were also 2,840 theft from the person offences recorded last year, a fall from 3,026 in 2022.

Crime and policing minister Chris Philp insisted the figures show "communities are safer and our plan to cut crime and protect the public is working".

He added: "We know there is always more to do. Earlier this month, we set out tough new action to clamp down on shoplifting and through the Criminal Justice Bill, we are giving the police more powers to seize dangerous weapons."