Tom Gordon MP is warning that small businesses in Harrogate and Knaresborough are becoming “easy targets” for criminals after new figures showed the number of shoplifting cases had skyrocketed in the area.

A total of 5,660 cases of shoplifting were recorded in Harrogate and Knaresborough last year, up from 2,533 cases in 2020/21, an alarming increase of 123.45%, according to House of Commons Library data analysed by the Liberal Democrats.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon says that shops and small businesses in his constituency “simply cannot afford for this to continue” and is calling for a return to community policing with dedicated police counters.

"Our high streets are the lifeblood of Harrogate and Knaresborough, yet local businesses are struggling with a surge in shoplifting that treats our local shops like easy targets,” said Mr Gordon.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon says that shops and small businesses in his constituency “simply cannot afford" for the wave of shoplifting to continue as it has. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon says that shops and small businesses in his constituency “simply cannot afford" for the wave of shoplifting to continue as it has. (Picture contributed)

"Our local police force has upped their efforts despite the years of Conservative cuts to community policing, followed by Labour’s failure to fix the damage.

“It is unacceptable that the hardworking people in our local stores are being left to fend for themselves.

"Our independent businesses are already fighting to survive rising costs and business rates; they shouldn't have to worry about shoplifting, too.”

The Lib Dem MP said, though the police had increased efforts to deter and convict shoplifters, only 23.52% of cases in Harrogate and Knaresborough reported to North Yorkshire Police had actually resulted in a charge last year.

At the national level, the Lib Dems have raised concerns that shoplifting is, in particular, hitting small businesses which are already under mounting pressure from rising energy bills, unfair business rates and extra costs from the Chancellor’s National Insurance Contribution rise.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is also calling for a 5p VAT cut for hospitality businesses and urgent reform of the business rates system to support our high streets.

“We need more than just promises,” he said.

"The Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to real neighbourhood policing, with bobbies on the beat and dedicated police counters right here in town, so that our local shoppers and shopkeepers feel safe."