Crime, Political, Poole | Posted on April 23rd, 2026 | return to news

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP calls out rise in shoplifting

Lib Dem Vikki Slade is calling for a staffed police desk in communities across her constituency following a huge rise in shoplifting.

With the huge increase in shoplifting over the past five years, local Lib Dem MP Vikki Slade is calling for the government to guarantee a staffed police desk in local communities.

Last year, Dorset Police recorded 5,120 cases, up from 2,426 in 2020/21 — an increase of 111.05 per cent.

In addition, just 23.05 per cent of shoplifting cases recorded by Dorset Police in 2024/25 resulted in a charge.

Slade has also called for a 5p VAT cut for hospitality businesses and urgent reform of the business rates system to breathe life back into high streets.

She said: “We are rightfully proud of our thriving high streets in Mid Dorset and North Poole, with Wimborne’s one of the finest in the country in my estimation. Yet constituents have reported to me that local businesses are struggling with a surge in shoplifting that treats our local shops like easy targets. This is the direct result of years of Conservative cuts to community policing, followed by Labour’s failure to fix the damage.

“In fact, following recent decisions, Dorset Police is now the worst-funded force in the country, and that is before you take into account the impact of seasonality and tourism.

“I recently met with Southern Co-op and discussed the increasing impact of shop thefts on their business and the personal effect on their staff and customers.

“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.

“We as Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to real neighbourhood policing, with bobbies on the beat and dedicated police counters right across Mid Dorset and North Poole so that our fantastic local shoppers and shopkeepers are kept safe.”