Shoplifting across the West Midlands has surged by 30.2 per cent in the past two years, with 31,620 offences recorded in the year ending March 2026.
Despite the rise in incidents, police have achieved significant improvements in solving these crimes.
Positive outcomes for victims increased to 30 per cent, up 15.6 per cent from March 2024.
The improvement reflects "targeted activity aimed at bringing more offenders to justice", according to a report to the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's board.
Business confidence in reporting crimes has also increased.
Temporary....
