Inverness shoplifting surge reported by Police Scotland in report to Highland Council
A surge in shoplifting continued to rise sharply in Inverness in the past year, new police figures have revealed.
In the current financial year to date, the force has recorded 680 shoplifting offences in the Inverness area - up 77 from the same point in the previous 12 months, and well above the five-year average of 409.
Fraud has also risen, with 168 incidents recorded so far this fiscal year (which runs until the end of March), compared to 155 in the previous year and a five-year average of 138.
House break-ins are also up on the five-year average, with 41 reported so far this year, compared to an average of just over 36.
The figures for the city area were revealed in a new report to Highland Council's City of Inverness area committee, which will meet to discuss them next week.
"Unfortunately, crimes of dishonesty have increased, particularly theft by shoplifting and fraud," said Chief Inspector Jamie Wilson. "My team are actively looking at preventative measures we can implement to drive this number down, whilst robustly investigating any crime of dishonesty reported to the police.
"Over the coming months, my team will continue to adapt our policing approach to address emerging challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our community."
But there was better news elsewhere, with the force reporting a "notable increase" in detections of drug possession offences.
Although the number of incidents so far this financial year stood at 78 - up from the same point in the previous 12 months and up from the five-year average of 59 - the detection rate stood at 80.9 per cent.
Drug supply offences however, were higher, with 78 in the current financial year, up from 70 in 2023/24 and the five-year average of 59.
Violent crimes, meanwhile, fell from the previous 12 months, with the number of assaults down almost 100 at 555, and serious assaults down from 40 to 28.
Car theft in Inverness was also down, with just 25 incidents so far in the current fiscal year - lower than that reported in 2023/24 and the five-year average.
However, sex crimes were markedly higher - with 215 in the 2024/25 year to date - up from 184 the previous year and the five-year average of 165.
