A NEW digital reporting system is helping police across Dorset catch shoplifters faster – with officers now solving cases in days rather than weeks.

Dorset Police says the technology is already delivering results, with its Retail Crime Team achieving a positive outcome rate of more than 70% for shoplifting offences in the final three months of 2025 – well above the national average.

The system allows retailers to upload CCTV, witness statements and images directly to officers through a secure platform, cutting out delays caused by traditional methods.

Police are now urging businesses to report every single theft, no matter how small.

Sgt Ryan Corbett of Dorset Police’s Retail Crime Team said: “This intelligence led approach has proven highly effective at disrupting the most harmful offenders.

“Every report we receive helps us build the bigger picture. The NiCE evidence platform and digital theft packs drastically cut processing times, getting vital information from retailers to officers in hours rather than days.”

Officers say even low-value thefts play a crucial role in building cases against prolific offenders – despite a common misconception that crimes under £200 are not pursued.

One recent case saw serial shoplifter Jason Christopher Evans jailed for 32 weeks after targeting multiple stores and stealing more than £7,000 worth of goods.

Retail workers say the new system is already making a difference on the ground.

Matt, a security guard at Tesco Express in Poole, said: “The digital theft packs are a massive advancement, they’re incredibly quick and easy to complete. Now when we submit a report the offender can be identified and held to account within days.

“This is a huge morale boost for staff and customers – we’re all really impressed and thankful for the cooperation and efficiency of Dorset Police.”

A representative from One Stop in Dorchester added: “We’re really impressed with the NiCE Investigate system – it’s been incredibly effective for us here at One Stop Dorchester.

“We’ve been able to combat more offenders a lot quicker, with numerous of them being convicted.”

Police say the system is also helping identify offenders who travel between towns to avoid detection, allowing stronger cases to be built across multiple incidents.

Chief Insp Alyssa Forrest said: “Dorset Police takes retail theft seriously and delivers a robust approach to this corrosive crime.”

Businesses are being encouraged to sign up and make full use of the system as part of ongoing efforts to tackle shoplifting across the county.