Pete Egerton

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

Taylor Swift

Elizabeth Taylor

Listen Live

Harrogate MP raises shoplifting and retail crime issues in Parliament

Wednesday, 26 February 2025 07:07

Tom Gordon MP speaking in the House of Commons.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has been raising issues brought to him by businesses in Parliament this week.

The issue of shoplifting has been brought to his attention through Harrogate BID and Chamber of Commerce, with the issue becoming more apparent throughout the country.

Tom asked the Minister what action she and the Government were taking to encourage and support police forces to work with local communities and organisations to help with cracking down on shoplifting.

Tom said that due to years of budget and numbers cuts, the police “rarely have the resources” to prosecute shoplifters.

He said:

“It was great to raise the issues facing Harrogate and Knaresborough businesses this week. Shoplifting is a scrouge, and potentially very damaging for businesses and our town centres. It is especially worrying that criminal gangs are getting involved, only increasing the pressure on our businesses.

“I’m working with the business community, including the BID and Chamber of Commerce, and the police, to crack down on shoplifting in Harrogate.

“It’s vital that we bring together all the stakeholders in our town together to tackle this issue. I’m glad to have been able to help facilitate that through the taskforce, and look forward to further collaboration to ensure Harrogate remains open for business.”

Since being elected, Tom has founded the Harrogate Town Taskforce, to help bring together the police, the council and other stakeholders in the town centre including the BID and Chamber of Commerce to facilitate discussion of issues and coordination.

The Minister responded to say that she was working with police forces to increase cooperation with local communities, organisations and businesses to help reduce shoplifting.

Tom also raised concerns that shoplifting was increasingly being carried out by criminal gangs.

More from Local News

Harrogate Brewing Co celebrates first anniversary on Royal Parade

Harrogate Brewing Co is celebrating its first anniversary after a year of trading on Royal Parade.
Lightwater Valley set to introduce another new attraction

Lightwater Valley has hinted that another new attraction could be on the way, days after launching a new rollercoaster.
Harrogate to host new event for book lovers this weekend

A brand new literary event is set to arrive in Harrogate this weekend, bringing together authors, readers and industry professionals for a celebration of genre fiction.
Harrogate MP calls for crackdown on 'effectively decriminalised' phone thefts

Harrogate MP Tom Gordon has called for urgent action to tackle phone theft after new figures revealed fewer than 5% of cases led to charges in North Yorkshire.
Harrogate disability charity launches fundraising drive for new centre

A Harrogate charity supporting young people and adults with complex disabilities is appealing for donations as it prepares to move into a new, purpose-fit space.
Harrogate GP set to be elected town's new Mayor

A Harrogate GP is set to become the town’s next mayor, with Viv Poskitt expected to be formally elected for the 2026/27 civic year.
Harrogate's Ibiza Symphonica drops Scott Mills from lineup

Harrogate's Ibiza Symphonica event has announced it will move forward without broadcaster Scott Mills.
'Inspirational' schoolgirl donates hair to help children in need

An inspirational local schoolgirl has donated her hair to charity after reading about a girl who couldn’t grow her own.
Harrogate dog lovers invited to volunteer as puppy trainers

Harrogate dog lovers are invited to discover how they could make a life-changing difference as a volunteer puppy trainer.
Police appeal after Harrogate man assaulted at home

North Yorkshire Police have launched an appeal after a Harrogate man was assaulted and verbally abused at home.
Morrisons opens 'Asian Corner' at Harrogate store

Morrisons has officially launched an 'Asian Corner' at its Starbeck store.
New ward-based library introduced at Harrogate Hospital

A new ward-based library has been introduced for patients at Harrogate and District Hospital.
Harrogate care home donates £1,000 to charity battling loneliness

A Harrogate care home has donated £1,000 to a local charity supporting older people at risk of loneliness and isolation across the region.
Builders unearth medieval well in Ripon city centre

A medieval well believed to date back hundreds of years has been uncovered in Ripon city centre.
Knaresborough teacher to run London Marathon in aid of Henshaws

A teacher from Knaresborough is set to take on the London Marathon later this month in support of a local charity.
Drugs seized and two arrested in Knaresborough

Two people are in custody after police executed simultaneous drugs warrants in Knaresborough yesterday (Tuesday).
Spiegeltent returns to Harrogate for summer extravaganza

It's back, and it's set to be bigger than ever.
Starbeck festival set to return for third year

A popular free-to-attend festival is set to return to Starbeck this summer.
Police appeal to locate Harrogate fuel thief

Police have released a CCTV image of a man following a fuel theft on Leeds Road in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP set to take on London Marathon in aid of colitis charity

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is preparing to take part in this year's London Marathon to raise funds for Crohn's & Colitis UK.