Stealing to eat

Police in the Highlands and Islands have detected a rise in thefts of foodstuffs by shoplifters. Chief Supt. Julian Innes said it was believed that people were stealing to feed themselves.

The Highlands and Islands area commander added that this type of shoplifting had not been seen before in the region. He explained: 

"Shoplifting has seen a spike this year. We've seen more shoplifters than ever in the Highlands and our view is that people are stealing to feed themselves. The evidence that makes us believe that is what things people are stealing. People have always stolen from shops but we have been seeing an increase in people stealing foodstuffs."