MORE than 4,000 shoplifting offences were reported to Dorset Police in a year.

Figures have sparked a warning from the force in efforts to assist businesses in deterring criminals.

A total of 4,398 shoplifting incidents were reported to Dorset Police between April 2016 and March 2017.

The force is advising businesses to invest in a properly managed CCTV system and use signage to make it clear that shoplifting will not be tolerated.

Businesses are also encouraged to look at the design and layout of the store, ensuring that there are no hidden alcoves or high displays so that staff can see customers at all times.

Expensive or tempting goods should not be placed close to the entrance and exit doors.

Businesses are also being told to consider employing a security guard or store detective if possible.

Utilising information from data.police.uk, online marketplace OnBuy.com revealed Metropolitan Police had the highest number of shoplifting offences at 47,580 – the equivalent of 130 incidents a day. Metropolitan Police was closely followed by West Midlands Police, which had 19,741 incidences of shoplifting reported. Third was Greater Manchester Police, with 18,002 shoplifting offences.

Cas Paton, managing director of OnBuy.com, said: “The figures are certainly fascinating. Shoplifting is more prevalent than we would like to think.

"Considering the amount of time and energy shops put into running various aspects of their daily operations, shoplifting is really an unfortunate occurrence for them."