Shopkeepers whose stores are located in the centre of Britain’s shoplifting epidemic say the police must do more to stop thieves breaking in and stealing their goods. 

The picturesque city of Bath, famous for its Roman spa and gorgeous Georgian architecture, has seen its theft problem growing faster than anywhere else in the country.

Disgruntled shopkeepers in the area have told MailOnline they had noticed a spike in thefts and burglaries since Covid and the cost-of-living crisis.  

But some also felt there were a number of cases where organised gangs might be involved.

They added that offenders often used distraction techniques and targeted shops, including charity ones, when they were busy. 

Many said the shoplifting crimewave had led to them forking out large sums of money to pay for extra security and repair their damaged property.

But when these incidents were reported to the police, including photos of the suspects, the owners say no further action was taken.

One boss even admitted he had considered ‘shutting up shop’ for good due to the increased levels of crime in the city leaving his staff too frightened to come to work. 

Rahul Sharma, 34, director of Ganesha Handicraft and Jewellery store, admitted he had considered ‘shutting up shop’ due to the increased levels of crime 

Many said the shoplifting crimewave has led to them forking out large sums of money to pay for extra security and repair their damaged property

Police figures have revealed shoplifting offences rose in Bath by more than 83 per cent in the 12 months to September.

This amounts to 138.6 per 10,000 people – making it the eighth-worst locality in England in absolute terms.

Rahul Sharma, 34, director of Ganesha Handicraft and Jewellery store in The Corridor, has been broke into three times – with the last one in April of this year.

The store, which has been open for 13 years, has seen pickpockets attempt to use distraction tactics in the shop, which is popular among visitors for Christmas gifts.

Mr Sharma said: ‘We were disturbed [by the burglary]. We source jewellery, including making trips to India, and when a collection is taken, it’s difficult to replace it. It’s not just about the money, but the time and effort involved.

‘Sometimes I feel like shutting up shop because of the stress that comes with it. Sometimes I’m losing money, rather than making it, and wonder what’s the point.

‘But it’s a passion. Everybody loves the shop and it’s a well-known place to get Christmas presents.’

Residents in the Somerset city felt there was no deterrent for these criminals, one local claiming she currently ‘wouldn’t go out at night’

The security screen in Mr Sharma’s store, which he installed after seeing a spike in thefts 

He believes some staff may have left because they were afraid following the spate of incidents over the last two years.

He said: ‘Staff were scared and left us. Once, a drunk tried to take something then pushed past a member of staff [as she was entering].’

He has noticed a spike in thefts since Covid and the cost-of-living crisis, but says there are some cases where it is more organised and they ‘know what they are doing’.

He has since installed a big screen, where they can view every corner of the shop, has a contract with a security firm and has trained staff to deal with shoplifting.

He said: ‘They are aware of distraction techniques and know not to take it personally or to put themselves in harm’s way.’

The measures appear to be effective but he’s calling on the local council to do more – from putting security in place to supporting the homeless.

Some store owners and residents believe the increase is due to homelessness, addictions and organised criminals.

Ivor Stanton, the store manager at family-owned specialist drinks importer, distributor and retailer Amathus Drinks, in Green Street , said they were broken into twice in the last month.

Many businesses in Bath said the shoplifting crimewave has led to them forking out large sums of money to pay for extra security measures (file)

Ivor Stanton, the store manager at family-owned specialist drinks importer, distributor and retailer Amathus Drinks, in Green Street , said they were broken into twice in the last month

He said it was reported to police, including photos of the suspects, but no further action was taken.

Mr Stanton said they have also had emails warning them of ‘champagne thieves’ from head office.

He added shoplifting led to hidden costs, such as paying for extra security and repairing damage.

‘It’s debilitating,’ he told MailOnline. ‘We need more police and more follow ups on incidents.’

Maisie Usher, a fashion buyer with Vintage Abs in Upper Borough Walls, said they had seen an increase in shoplifting in recent months.

She believes it is mostly down to the cost of living crisis, but others have appeared more brazen and less desperate.

She said: ‘Some people have come in and taken a rail of clothing and said ‘have a nice day’.

‘But others have seemed desperate and in need of a coat to keep them warm at night. We know someone who was sleeping rough nearby and said it was better to go to prison during the winter months.

More than 50 shoplifting offences were reported in the central shopping district in September alone, Avon and Somerset Police data shows (file)

The deputy manager at Oxfam in George Street said the thefts were disheartening (file)

‘As a business, it’s difficult as it affects income, but we also feel for those in need.’

She added she had heard more activity on the security radio and they had taken measures to protect their store.

Tom Madely, assistant manager at fashion retailer Route 1, in The Corridor, said he had seen a spate of shoplifters in the two months he had been there.

But he said increased police presence in the area was starting to have an impact.

He said: ‘Our community officers regularly visit and are very helpful. They’ve also started placing more officers on the high street, with four walking up and down, and it seems to be helping.’

More than 50 shoplifting offences were reported in the central shopping district in September alone, Avon and Somerset Police data shows.

In an effort to crack down on the crime wave, the force has mounted a number of ‘days of action’, which has seen them send plain-clothes officers on patrol and work with private security firms hired by desperate business owners.

As a result, four prolific offenders appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court in October, charged with dozens of shoplifting offences each.

Figures have revealed shoplifting offences rose by more than 83 per cent in the 12 months to September in the city

Charities have not been spared in the city’s recent crime spree. Just this month police launched an appeal after a man broke into staff lockers and stole purses at a shop in Argyle Street.

He then used credit cards at shops across the city centre.

Emma Irwin, the deputy manager at Oxfam in George Street, said the thefts were disheartening.

She said: ‘Someone took a pair of leather trousers for £20. They were brazen and just walked out.

‘Another time, someone said to another customer “I’m just taking these”, picked them up and went. There’s nothing we can do but watch them go and it’s really annoying.

‘It makes a dent in the takings and it’s disheartening – you’d think a charity shop would be the last place they’d do it.

‘Volunteers get upset by it and feel like they should do more but it’s not their responsibility.’

Dominic, assistant manager at Bath Cats & Dogs Home Charity Shop in George Street, said he had seen people taking whole railings of clothes and said it was ‘morally bankrupt’ to steal from a charity shop.

The assistant manager at Bath Cats & Dogs Home Charity Shop in George Street said it was ‘morally bankrupt’ to steal from a charity shop

He said: ‘I think you must be really desperate to steal from a charity shop. I don’t know how a designer item will keep you warm at night, rather than a blanket.’

He believes the lack of consequences gives them ‘carte blanche to help themselves’.

He added the offenders often used distraction techniques and targeted shops when they were busy.

Bath residents Peter and Suzanne Wrench agreed that thieves were able to get away with it and there was no deterrent.

Dianna Moss thinks it is a sign of the times. She said: ‘It reflects what’s going on – people are poorer and more desperate.’

One resident, who did not wish to be named and said he worked in Waitrose, said pickpocketing was a daily issue.

He said: ‘They have spotters outside looking for a security guard, then one will distract, while the other goes in. It’s appalling and we can’t do anything about it.’

He referred to a law in which shop thefts under £200 are not investigated.

Bath has always been a popular destination for tourists and shoppers from nearby towns and villages, especially during the festive season when its Christmas market is open

He added: ‘They’ll take bottles of vodka but know they won’t go to court if it’s under that amount. I think they should get rid of that law.’

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said she had lived in the city for 40 years and it had changed a lot during that time.

She said: ‘I’ve stood and watched it happen [shoplifting] and it’s quite frightening. I’ve said to the girl in the store ‘do you know it’s happening?’ and she’ll say she can’t do anything about it.

‘It looks pretty here, but it’s time this was brought under control. I wouldn’t go out at night.’