Police and businesses are cracking down on shoplifting in a Wiltshire town after shops were targeted.

Data discussed in a recent Marlborough Town Council meeting showed that the “majority” of the 118 crimes reported in the town between July 1 and September 30 were related to shoplifting.

During that time, almost £2,000 worth of products were allegedly stolen from Boots on the High Street.

A string of offenders have previously been arrested in connection with reported shoplifting incidents at the town centre’s Waitrose store, with one man jailed last year for £4,000 worth of thefts at the supermarket.

But police told this paper the crime is often underreported and urged retailers to come forward if they have been the victim of shoplifting.

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Inspector Simon Garrett said: “Over the past 12 months Wiltshire Police received reports of just under 3,400 shoplifting instances, which is an 11 per cent decrease from the previous year.

“But we do know the crime is under-reported. 

“We encourage retailers to work with us by reporting all instances of shoplifting, no matter the value of the items.

“It is vital retail crimes are reported to Wiltshire Police so that all leads can be investigated and loss to businesses in our county can be prevented.”

Officers are cracking down on retail crime in the Marlborough area with the help of business owners.

Last month the town’s first Shopwatch meeting was held, and it is hoped this will help retailers work with police to reduce thefts in the town.

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Insp Garrett added: “During October an inaugural Shopwatch meeting was held at Marlborough Town Hall with the support of the town clerk.

“This meeting was well received with around a dozen shops and businesses represented.

“We hope that attendance will increase, and the meetings will encourage shops to have better communication with one another, as well as exploring barriers and blockers from reporting to the police.”

As Christmas approaches, officers will continue to target retail theft, with patrols set to ramp up in the town centre.

Insp Garrett said: “Last month we held a Safer Business Action Week force-wide that saw the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Marlborough hold consultation events and visit shops to offer crime prevention advice.

“In the run up to Christmas we will also be holding Operation Elf which will see local officers on patrol in the town centre with the aim of preventing and detecting shoplifting offences.”