THOUSANDS of shoplifting incidents have been reported across Wrexham in recent years, figures have shown.

Data obtained by the Leader from North Wales Police under the Freedom of Information Act reveals how many shoplifting incidents have been reported in wards across the county from the beginning of 2017 to date.

Over that time period, a total of 4,435 offences have been reported.

The ward appearing at the top of the list every year is Brynyffynnon, with more than a quarter of the county's total figures over the four years - 1,286.

Appearing at the second position for each of those years is Smithfield (total 958) and in third for each of the years is Grosvenor (total 728).

The number of shoplifting incidents reported across Wrexham so far in 2020 is 677.

Here's how many of those were in each of the affected wards:

  • Brynyffynnon:193
  • Smithfield: 119
  • Grosvenor: 104
  • Ponciau: 38
  • Erddig: 19
  • Maesydre: 19
  • Penycae and Ruabon South: 19
  • Ruabon: 19
  • Wynnstay: 18
  • Chirk South: 14
  • Coedpoeth: 14
  • Gwersyllt East and South: 14
  • Johnstown: 14
  • Esclusham: 13
  • Rhosnesni: 10
  • Cefn: 8
  • Pant: 7
  • Whitegate: 7
  • Gwersyllt North: 5
  • Queensway: 4
  • Marchwiel: 3
  • Offa: 3
  • Plas Madoc: 3
  • Cartrefle: 2
  • Garden Village: 2
  • Llay: 2
  • Brymbo: 1
  • Minera: 1
  • Penycae: 1
  • Rossett: 1
  • Stansty: 1

Chief inspector Siobhan Edwards said: “ We are doing a great deal of work across the area with plans in place to tackle repeat offenders, targeted local patrols, investigating each report and interviewing or arresting identified suspects.

"We also work closely with businesses to see how we can reduce shoplifting incidents.”