POLICE are urging local businesses to report “every shoplifting incident” over the festive season as they crack down on the crime.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it will be working with the community over the coming weeks “to identify prolific shoplifters, theft hotspots and engage with local businesses”.

The latest crime figures show that shoplifting has risen nationally by 37 per cent.

In a bid to reduce shoplifting in Devon and Cornwall, local police are regularly engaging with retailers and local agencies and conducting plain clothes operations and visible patrols.

“I know that shoplifting is a real issue across our two counties, with traders often telling me and my team about the difficulty of dealing with the financial and emotional consequences of theft,” Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said.

“This is why I have made theft in our towns and cities a priority in my next Police and Crime Plan, asking Devon and Cornwall Police to have an increased focus on reducing theft and shoplifting on our high streets.

“I welcome this operation by our local policing teams to help our business community to feel safe and I join them in encouraging traders to report crime every single time to help police build a true picture of offending and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

Devon and Cornwall Police Crime Prevention Lead Joe Champness added: “We are urging business owners to report incidents to us as it helps create a profile and understand where our resources are best placed.

“We use that information to coordinate our response in dealing with those causing the most harm and risk.”

You can report shoplifting to police online or by telephoning the 101 non-emergency service.

You can also report crime anonymously via Crimestoppers.