Moray cost of living crisis sees shoplifting figures nearly double new figures show

Shoplifting offences in Moray have almost doubled over the cost of living crisis, new figures show, as a business leader urges that soaring numbers “must not be overlooked”.

In the last year, 330 cases of shoplifting were recorded compared to 172 two years ago.

The new Scottish Government statistics, which compare the number of crimes for each year ending in June, show a 92 per cent rise in Moray from year-ending June 2022 to year-ending June 2024.

Moray Chamber of Commerce CEO Sarah Medcraf said there was “no doubt” the “sharp increase” was linked to the cost of living crisis, but said the trend has also impacted local businesses.

“This sharp increase in shoplifting must not be overlooked,” she added.

“The cost-of-living crisis will no doubt have had an impact on these figures, but businesses are living through these rising costs too and cannot afford the loss.

“Businesses must remain vigilant and ensure they have adequate monitoring systems to deter shoplifters.

“Any incidents must be reported to the police and any evidence should be shared.

“Moray is a small place and businesses talk to each other, and we’d encourage this to warn others.”

Recorded shoplifting crimes in Moray have risen for the past two years, with last year seeing 112 more cases than the year before.

Chief Inspector Michael McKenzie said: “We work closely with partners in the retail and business sectors across the Moray area to deter, prevent and investigate retail crime.

“Where we have identified businesses experiencing increased incidents of shoplifting, we have trained crime prevention officers who can attend and carry out security surveys and offer advice around preventative measures.

“We will continue to work with the retail sector to reduce incidents of shoplifting and would encourage continued reporting of criminal activity.”

The new figures also show big changes in the number of other crimes recorded in Moray over the last five years.

Despite a small decrease last year, the number of motor vehicle thefts in Moray was almost two-and-a-half times higher than the year-ending June 2020.

Last year, 70 motor vehicle theft crimes were recorded, compared to just 29 in the same period four years ago.

However, last year also saw drug dealing offences in Moray fall to their lowest level in four years.

Just 35 crimes involving the supply of drugs were recorded last year, compared to 76 the year before, falling by more than half.

However, both sexual assault and domestic abuse have increased significantly in recent years.

Sexual assaults in Moray have been on the rise for four years in a row.

And last year’s total of 135 was almost triple the 56 recorded in the year up to June 2020.

Crimes recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 increased by 58 per cent last year, from 43 to 68, compared to the year before.

Meanwhile, the number of crimes involving indecent photographs of children has been decreasing for the last four years running.