Shoplifting Doubles Over Five Years In Washington
Washington Centre, Elswick Road, and The Galleries are all trouble spots in the area, as shoplifting offences have gone from 237 in 2015 to 592 in 2019.
Shoplifting has more than doubled in the last five years in Washington, rising 150%.
The area saw 592 offences in 2019, compared to 237 in 2015. There were 339 shoplifting offences in 2016, 371 in 2017 and 455 in 2018.
Washington Centre, Elswick Road, and The Galleries have consistently appeared on the five worst streets or shopping centres for offences for the last five years.
Victoria Place and Parsons Road also saw a high number of offences.
The findings were made by media literacy charity The Student View following submission of a Freedom of Information request to Northumbria Police.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shoplifting is increasingly being dealt with by security at the shops themselves, but we understand the impact it can have on businesses and take robust action against those who persistently reoffend.
“We work closely with local businesses to put preventative measures in place and we have dedicated neighbourhood teams who patrol town and city centres and liaise with shop owners.
“We will continue to work hand-in-hand with them and would always encourage victims of crime to report incidents to us.”