A seaside town in West Sussex has just been branded the worst place for shoplifting in the UK — and police say they’re stepping up visibility and support in the town centre after a wave of retail theft incidents left shop owners and staff on edge.
The town is Worthing, which ranked No. 1 in a new study that analysed crime data from official UK sources, including the Office for National Statistics (ONS), alongside figures from Scotland and Northern Ireland. The study, carried out by Accu Components, placed Worthing at the top of the national list with an estimated shoplifting rate of 23.2 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Worthing wasn’t the only Sussex town to make the list. Crawley also appeared in the top 10, landing sixth with 16.6 incidents per 1,000 residents — a sign that retail theft pressure isn’t confined to giant city centres.
In response to the local concern, Adur & Worthing Police said officers were “out and about” in Worthing Town Centre, speaking directly with members of the public and retailers who have been dealing with shoplifting. The force said the goal was simple: offer practical advice, provide reassurance, and support businesses that are being repeatedly targeted. Police reminded residents that shop theft can be reported online or by calling 101, and to use 999 in an emergency.
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne argued the rising numbers also reflect a push to make reporting easier. She said better reporting means the county can finally measure the true scale of the problem — and she pointed to a dedicated business crime unit and improved outcomes that she said have been “doubling,” including apprehending offenders or resolving conflicts. Bourne urged residents and businesses to keep reporting thefts so police have accurate intelligence to identify and stop prolific offenders.
Sussex Police business crime lead Chris Neilson said the force understands shoplifting’s financial and personal toll on staff, owners, and the wider community. He said tackling business crime is a key priority and described a team that works with businesses and partners to prevent, detect, and identify offenders. He also said police use a range of powers beyond charges, including civil orders and community resolutions designed to manage offenders and drive behavioural change.
Worthing’s ranking lands during a wider UK retail-crime crunch. National reporting has highlighted record-high shoplifting levels and increasing abuse toward retail workers, with union and industry groups warning the impact is hitting staff safety as much as store profits.
For Worthing retailers, the message from police is that visibility is rising — but the fight depends on reports, CCTV, witness statements, and consistent intelligence. In a town now labelled “the worst,” every incident logged could be the one that connects the dots and stops the next thief walking out like nothing happened.