Crime is on the rise in Derbyshire for the first time in 10 years with shoplifting – especially the theft of food – showing the biggest increase. Alan Charles, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, during his regular meeting with police, put part of the rise down to "poverty crime" and also blamed recent Government cuts to welfare benefits. The commissioner said the problem was affecting areas with high deprivation, including Derby West, Derby East and Chesterfield.
Assistant Chief Constable Karl Smethem told the meeting at Derby's Council House yesterday:
"A large proportion of what is being taken is food-based."
Charles said: "Research we have undertaken has shown there is a link between areas of high deprivation and acquisitive crime such as shoplifting. It is extremely concerning. "People are losing their jobs and welfare benefits and are turning to stealing. They are finding themselves in a really difficult situation. I am worried that people are having to turn to crime as a way of looking after themselves."
Assistant Chief Constable Karl Smethem told the meeting at Derby's Council House yesterday:
"A large proportion of what is being taken is food-based."
Charles said: "Research we have undertaken has shown there is a link between areas of high deprivation and acquisitive crime such as shoplifting. It is extremely concerning. "People are losing their jobs and welfare benefits and are turning to stealing. They are finding themselves in a really difficult situation. I am worried that people are having to turn to crime as a way of looking after themselves."
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