Bolton NICE boss unsurprised at cost-of-living shoplifting increase

Data obtained via a Freedom of Information request by  agency RADAR has revealed that Greater Manchester Police recorded 6,972 shoplifting offences between April 1 and August 31 this year. That was a rise of 26.2 per cent compared to the same period last year when 5,523 were logged.

Police forces were also asked to provide the outcomes of those crimes. The request discovered that 974 - 14 per cent - resulted in a charge or summons, meaning a significant proportion led to no suspect being charged.

In response to rising wholesale gas prices, Ofgem raised the energy price cap for the typical UK household by more than 50 per cent on April 1, before putting it up again at the start of October.

Some major supermarkets reported that they were boosting security due to fears of an increase in shoplifting as household bills rose.

Bolton Neighbourhood Investment in Community Enterprises (Bolton NICE) is a charity that offers a range of service to those in need including food.

CEO Martin McLoughlin says that with the cost of living and energy prices continuing to rise, “shoplifting is of course going to increase”.

READ MORE: £2,000 boost for Bolton's NICE centre from Yorkshire Building Society

“We didn’t think things could get any worse after the pandemic, but prices just keep going up,” he added.

Julie Pattison and Martin McLoughlin of Bolton NICE (Image: Bolton NICE)

“People come into our shop and steal things. That sad part is if they’re desperate we’d give it to them for free anyway.

“People are getting desperate, so they are going to do desperate things.

“And now with the prices of electric and gas - we can give people food, but we can’t give them their utilities.”

During the Christmas holidays Martin says that people often feel like they need more. Bolton NICE will be available all throughout the festive period to offer its services to those who need them.

He added: “Christmas is just another day. We’re open every day. A lot of other charities close over Christmas.

“If you need it, come and we’ll give it to you.

“The good thing about Bolton is we don’t have a problem getting food, but the issue is people being able to access us.”

Bolton NICE has just secured temporary premises at Market Place in the town centre and Martin says they should “hopefully” be open for Christmas day.

The charity is still appealing for a permanent location to move to, however, after having moved around six times in the last 10 years.

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