New crime data has revealed reports of retail theft have decreased in the Wingecarribee Shire
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Stealing from a retail store is down by 40.7 per cent per year, from January 2018 to December 2019.
This is according to the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research report.
Meanwhile across NSW, reports are up by 8.3 per cent per year over a two-year period.
Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Steve Horton said he believed two factors contributed to less shoplifting in the region.
"I think there's been a bigger police presence. The police come out and have a stroll," Mr Horton said.
"Visitor numbers are down by 70 per cent. The last four months we've had no business in the Highlands."
Mr Horton said the latest report was welcome news for business owners, after a spike in shoplifting last year.
Previous BOCSAR data indicated reports of theft from retail stores were up by 53 per cent per year over a two-year period, from April 2017 to March 2019.
"This year it would appear maybe I've lost one thing," he said.
"It certainly makes me feel better [to see less shoplifting] and it doesn't cost businesses as much in those losses."
The Hume Police District had an operation which targeted shoplifting in November 2019.
During this time, 10 people were detected shoplifting at locations across the Highlands.
Police targeted larger department stores during this particular operation.
Southern Highlands Police continue to monitor businesses in the region for shoplifting.
