Crime figures reveal rise in shoplifting, theft, and burglary in Newark and Sherwood in 2024 — but police say positive outcomes also increased

Anti-social behaviour and drug crime has fallen in our area, with attention now turning to a rise in shoplifting and burglary.

While Newark and Sherwood saw a 1% increase in crime in the 2024 calendar year, the district also saw some of the best results for positive outcomes — and significant decreases in many types of crime — in freshly released police data.

Arrests, charges, or other sanctions were made in 14% of cases — making it one of the best positive outcome rates in the county. This was particularly seen for drug and shoplifting offences, where 67% and 24% of cases saw positive outcomes respectively.

These crime types will also remain at the forefront of policing efforts in 2025, with the neighbourhood teams’ priorities for January to March being retail crime in Newark town centre, shoplifting in Ollerton and Blidworth, and drug dealing in Newark.

In 2024 thefts increased by 11%, shoplifting by 21%, and burglary by 9%.

Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “During the final weeks of the year, we did see a spike in reports of shops in Newark being targeted, either by thieves during opening hours or businesses being burgled.

“Patrols have been stepped up in the wake of these incidents, while a lot of work is ongoing to investigate each of these reports, and this will now be increased further as one of our priority policing areas.

“In the last month, 23 of the 33 shop thefts reported in Sherwood happened in Blidworth or Ollerton, so that’s why we’ve chosen to focus on this area further.

“As well as the obvious problems it brings, we also know from our experience the impact the drugs trade can have on businesses by leading to an acquisitive crime taking place, so we’re naturally determined to do whatever we can to stop anyone dealing drugs on our streets too.

“While it was pleasing to see us achieve so many positive outcomes after responding to reports of this nature, it’s important we don’t let up, but instead continue applying the pressure on criminals.”

As one of the priority areas for much of 2024, particularly in Newark’s town centre and Bridge ward, a keen focus was put on tackling anti-social behaviour.

Police and partner organisations’ efforts helped result in a 14% decrease in anti-social behaviour incidents in the district in 2024 and, while new priorities have been set, Inspector Ellam has vowed that officers will remain committed to tackling the issue.

Alongside Newark and Sherwood District Council, the neighbourhood policing team have successfully secured a number closure orders and civil injunctions against individuals and problem properties on the Yorke Drive Estate, one of the key areas of concern.

There have also been positive trends for other crimes, with a 5% reduction in violent crime, 9% reduction in robberies, 19% reduction in public disorder offences, and a 20% reduction in drug offences — although these remain a priority.

Inspector Ellam added: “Switching up the Newark and Sherwood priority areas doesn’t mean we will suddenly be letting our guard down and not focusing on stopping antisocial behaviour, as that is impossible.

“So much work, both by ourselves and our partners like the council, goes on every day to target this area, because we know it’s what the public wants us to do, and that focus will never change.

“While the last 12 months have been positive in the main, we have of course experienced some challenges, as we always will, but my promise is our officers will continue doing everything in their power to try and stop crime and make this district a safer place.”

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