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Thousands of cases of shoplifting reported to a police force have gone unpunished, sentencing data reveals.

Figures show 7,142 offences occurred across County Durham and Darlington over the past year, with just 1,657 resulting in a charge or summons, according to information obtained by

Offences reached a high during 2023-24 as shoplifting increased by nearly 50% on the previous year.

Durham Constabulary said it is working "closely" with businesses through its ShopWatch scheme, but added it "cannot combat it alone".

The ShopWatch scheme provides businesses with radios and phones so they can quickly share information about suspicious activity with the police.

Staff at MaxiDeals in Darlington told the Local Democracy Reporting Service shoplifting in the town was "horrendous" and it "jeopardises people's jobs and shops shut down because of it".

They added the ShopWatch scheme helped them catch shoplifters more often.

A police spokesperson said it was important for the force to "look at the bigger picture" by seeking to "address the underlying reasons for offending".

The force worked with offenders after they have been released from prison in an attempt "to help break their cycle of crime by offering help and support with addiction and mental health", it said.

"Prevention and rehabilitation play a key factor in helping reduce these types of offences, but we simply cannot combat it alone."

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