Shoplifting rates in Lincoln are double those in larger nearby cities such as Leeds and Sheffield, an analysis of police figures show.
Twenty-four incidents of shoplifting were recorded for every 1,000 people living here in the year up to September 2025. That compares to just 11.6 and 13.4 incidents in Sheffield and Leeds respectively.
The shock statistic is revealed in data provided at the police.uk website.
The same figures show that shoplifting is now the city centre’s third most reported crime behind violent and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour.
Shopkeeper Peter Moss – who runs Toytown in the Waterside Shopping centre on the High Street – said that, while he had only opened his store in October, he had already experienced considerable issues.
The 30-year-old said: “It can be pretty crazy. We’ve asked a few people to leave [because they have been behaving suspiciously].”
As well as the police data, new research by marketing agency Plumpot shows shoplifting rose by 10.7 per cent across Lincolnshire in 2025 compared to 2024.
Imogen Davis, who works at Rock Retro in Guildhall Street, said: “I had to chase someone out the door not long ago. It was strange cause she seemed lovely and chatty and a minute later she’s walking out with three jumpers so I had to run after her and ask for them back.”
The 27-year-old added: “It was really scary because she was with these two big lads as well”
In a bid to tackle the issue, the Lincoln Business Improvement Group has recently partnered with Lincolnshire Police. Some 29 individuals are now barred from all retail centres in the city as a result of this partnership.
Yvette Mills, project manager with BIG said: “I think because Lincoln is a relatively small City the perception is that it is an issue but historically other police forces have approached our police for ideas in best practice.”
