A rise in shoplifting in East Renfrewshire remains an “ongoing issue” with the cost of living crisis, social media and organised crime behind the increase.

Police Scotland recorded 75 offences in East Renfrewshire between April and June this year, up from 56 over the same period in 2023.

Chief superintendent Lynn Ratcliff, divisional commander for Greater Glasgow, told East Renfrewshire councillors that shoplifting is “increasing locally, regionally and nationally”.

She said people committing the crime “because of hardship” are signposted to support from charities and food banks.

The force previously reported, in June last year, that theft by shoplifting increased from January to March 2023 with 75 more offences recorded compared to the year before.

At a meeting earlier this month, Cllr Caroline Bamforth, SNP, said shoplifting had been “an ongoing issue for a while”. 

She asked: “Is that still the cost of living crisis or is it that you’re being more proactive with shopkeepers and encouraging them to report shoplifting?

“It just seems like quite a big increase.”

Ch Supt Ratcliff replied: “I have absolutely no doubt that cost of living is a factor in that. 

“Where that is the case, our focus is very much around not bringing people into the criminal justice system. If they are shoplifting because of hardship, then we need to look more closely at the wellbeing and welfare aspects of that. 

“We will signpost to a number of third sector partners who can support with that, also foodbanks.”

She added the “context” is highlighted to the Procurator Fiscal so they can make “informed decisions”.

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The figures reported to East Renfrewshire councillors showed common theft is down 20% on the April to June period last year, but shoplifting had increased.

A report added Police Scotland is “working with retailers to promote best practice and to offer advice and guidance in relation to securing stock and premises”.

Ch Supt Ratcliff added social media and “some of the trends” around apps such as TikTok have an impact too.

“Some of the brazen shoplifting and behaviours we see in there play a factor,” she said.

“There’s also serious and organised crime which is very much focused around shoplifting as well. There are groups who are very organised and have got very informed tactics who will go in and shoplift on a large scale.”

When the issue was discussed last year, councillors were told the increase was “a national trend” tied “to the current financial climate”.

A report at the time said: “The profile of offenders ranges from individuals to organised groups. Significant arrests were made this year relating to organised criminals targeting East Renfrewshire retailers.”