Perhaps, as a counselor for theft prevention education, I am more sensitive to the situation, but it seems like shoplifting is on the rise. Perhaps because of the stressful economy or maybe more people are lacking self discipline. What do you think?

I was reading an article recently about the sharp increase in shoplifting in Birmingham, England. It is being reported that one of the most common crimes taking up the court's time is shoplifting. In just one day, nine suspected shoplifters were due to face justice, accused of pinching everything from a jumper from to bacon. As reported in www.theguardian.com.

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) crime survey, while overall crime has fallen significantly, shoplifting is up 6% on average, year on year.

Across England and Wales, police recorded 317,027 shoplifting offences in 2013, with 34 of the 43 force areas recording an increase compared with the previous year.

The 2013 Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS) puts the figure even higher, at 3.3 million incidents of theft by customers in the wholesale and retail sector.

Why do you think this is? Is it the economy? I do not think so. Statistics show that more than 75% of all shoplifting is done for the thrill rather than out of need. So why the increase now?

Do you think drugs could be a motivating factor? There is no doubt drug abuse is rampant across the globe and many need to support their habit.

One of the ricks shoplifters commonly use is to line a bad with aluminum foil to stop security tags triggering alarms.

Do you think stop theft classes help? Again, as a counselor, I would like to think so. If you have anything to add to this story I would like to hear what you have to say.