Significant fall in shoplifting in the Highlands, say police
BBCPolice say there has been a "significant reduction" in shoplifting in the Highlands over the past year.
It follows the launch of Operation Lambie which has involved the deployment of plain-clothes and uniformed officers carrying out targeted patrols.
A report to Highland Council's communities and place committee said there had been 871 shoplifting incidents since April 2025 compared with 1,015 cases over the same period the previous year.
Retailers Against Crime warned last year that shoplifting was out of control in Scotland with "little or no consequences" for persistent offenders.
In the report, Police Scotland's North Division commander Ch Supt Robert Shepherd also highlighted improvements that had come from the introduction of body-worn cameras by officers.
He said it had reduced the number of times officers were required to attend court which meant they could spend more time supporting local communities.
