§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the estimated annual losses were to businesses in the Portsmouth, South constituency due to shop crime in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [64480]
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§ Mr. DenhamThe Home Department does not collect information about losses as a result of shop crime. The number of offences of theft from shops recorded by the police in Hampshire for the 12 months ended 31 March 2001 was 9,674, which is 5 per cent. less than the previous year. It is not possible to identify offences relating only to the Portsmouth, South constituency.
The survey of crime affecting retailers and manufacturers announced by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 23 April 2002 will provide up-to-date information on crimes against retailers including estimates of losses incurred. The results are expected to be available next spring.