Police are working hard to stamp out retail crime in Macclesfield town centre.

Macclesfield Local Policing Unit's efforts have been paying off with figures for 2024 showing more incidents being reported and more crimes being successfully detected.

The number of crimes solved in 'Macclesfield Central' rose from 24.5 per cent in 2023 to 52.2 per cent in 2024.

Sergeant Matt Bassirat said: "We are determined to build on this in order to deter those who steal from shops and businesses. It's not a victimless crime and the costly impact is immense, especially for repeat victims, which we know some shops sadly are.

"Theft also impacts on the staff who are often left shaken or worse, injured when they encounter a thief. They should be able to go to work without fear and we are doing what we can by working with them to reduce the risk and keep them safe from harm."

Macclesfield town centre (Credit: Nub News)

The Association of Convenience Stores reported recently that the UK's local shops recorded 5.6million incidents of shop theft over the last year (2024), a growing number of them becoming violent in their attempt to steal.

 "This is not something we are prepared to tolerate here in Macclesfield and my officers have been doing everything they can to tackle the issue and deter crime," added Sergeant Bassirat.

Officers have been working closely with the business community to increase confidence in reporting thefts and using, where possible, NICE Investigate to make it easier for staff to send us their CCTV images.

They've also been visiting shops to give them crime prevention advice and improve confidence in reporting a crime in action.

Sergeant Bassirat continued: "We will not stop in our efforts to tackle retail crime and would urge shops to report the thefts to us when it happens.

"It is vital its reported to us so we can find those responsible and make Macclesfield a safer place for those who live, visit and work in the town."

Anyone who sees a theft should contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.