MP Beccy Cooper Visits Worthing Town Centre Amid Shoplifting Concerns

Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper has visited the town centre to speak with retail staff following concerns over rising shoplifting incidents. The visit comes after figures released earlier this week revealed that Worthing has the highest rate of shoplifting in the UK.

Staff members told Ms Cooper they feel increasingly unsafe at work, with reports highlighting hotspot areas such as Montague Street, the Guildbourne Centre, and Morrisons on Broadwater Road.

Ms Cooper reassured shop workers that steps are being taken to address the issue. She noted that the government has scrapped the £200 threshold for police intervention in shoplifting cases, recruited more officers, and introduced a standalone offence for assaulting shop workers. However, she acknowledged that more action is needed and pledged to write to the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner for an update on response measures.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has previously stated that tackling shop theft remains a priority. She credited improved crime reporting by businesses as a factor in Worthing’s high shoplifting figures, emphasising that a clearer picture of the problem will help drive stronger enforcement. Ms Cooper encouraged retail staff to continue reporting incidents to ensure appropriate action is taken.