Thieves are stealing from retailers in greater rates now than in recent years.
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This is according to the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) report.
The data shows theft from retail stores is up by 53 per cent per year over a two-year period.
The latest report maps incidents of crime from across NSW from April 2017 to March 2019.
Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SHCCI) chair and business owner Steve Horton said his store had been the target of theft recently.
"In my own business we have seen an increase in theft over the past six months and have been targeted by a single person or group which have taken a group of the same product over two months," Mr Horton said.
"This person/group has targeted a particular item and have now stolen all three of these hand-made one off items.
"My son and I have had to take this loss and pay for these items, which we can not claim, it has caused both concern to us as a business and we have had to make adjustments to our processes in an attempt to stop future theft.
"Having things stolen from your business is no different from having things stolen from home, it is a violation and causes a level of concern and personal loss to you and your business."
While retail theft reports across NSW remain stable, the crime is on the rise across the Wingecarribee Shire.
There were 101 reports of theft in the year to March 2019, compared to 66 reports in the year to March 2018.
Mittagong had the most reports of retail theft with 37 reports.
This was followed by Bowral with 34 reports and Moss Vale with 22 reports.
There was limited data available for the smaller towns and villages across the shire.
Mr Horton said there were several possible reasons for the upward trend.
"Firstly, we are seeing a greater number of visitors to the areas which always increases the risk of increase in theft," Mr Horton said.
"We also have a society that is under expenditure stress due to increasing costs of utilities like electricity. We also understand that this increases the risk of increased theft."
Call Southern Highlands Police on 4869 7899 to report a crime.
