Lincoln has emerged as the UK's shoplifting hotspot, according to an analysis of crime figures. The data, covering the 12 months to June 2015, recorded 1,569 shoplifting offences in the city – equivalent to one crime for every 61 residents.
This rate is nearly three times the national average. Across England and Wales, there were 327,925 shoplifting cases in the same period, translating to one offence per 176 residents.
The figures also show a 2.6% rise in shoplifting compared with the previous 12 months, and an 8.5% increase against the year to June 2012.
Westminster had the second-highest rate, with one shoplifting offence for every 62 people. At the other end, South Cambridgeshire recorded the lowest rate, with just one offence per 1,207 residents.
Newcastle also features prominently, with one shoplifting offence reported for every 78 people.
