Police chief links rise of shoplifting in East Renfrewshire to cost-of-living crisis

dailyrecord.co.uk:

BY DREW SANDELANDS, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER A rise in shoplifting across East Renfrewshire remains an “ongoing issue” – with the cost-of-living crisis, social media and organised crime behind the increase.

Police Scotland recorded 75 offences in the area between April and June this year, up from 56 over the same period in 2023. Chief superintendent Lynn Ratcliff, divisional commander for Greater Glasgow, told East Renfrewshire councillors that shoplifting is “increasing locally, regionally and nationally”.

She said people committing the crime “because of hardship” are signposted to support from charities and food banks.The force previously reported, in June last year, that theft by shoplifting increased from January to March 2023 with 75 more offences recorded compared to the year before.At a meeting earlier this month, Councillor Caroline Bamforth (SNP) said shoplifting had been “an ongoing issue for a while”.Renfrewshire Live, the new free app dedicated to bringing you around the clock breaking news, is now available to download.Powered by the Paisley Daily Express, Renfrewshire Live is your go-to source for news, features and sport with live coverage provided direct to the app, seven days a week.The dedicated team of experienced journalists, responsible for the publication of the award-winning Express, will focus on breaking news, day and night, across Renfrewshire’s towns and villages.There is also a dedicated St Mirren section that will follow every kick of the ball with the Buddies. Available on both Android and Apple.

D ownload here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial She asked: “Is that still the cost-of-living crisis or is it that you’re being more proactive with shopkeepers and encouraging them to report