The Dubbo local government area (LGA) was behind only one other, Bourke, when it came to the rate of shoplifting in 2013, according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

BOCSAR figures showed 348 shoplifting incidents were reported in the Dubbo LGA last year, equal to a rate of 826.4 per 100,000 population. This was an 18 per cent increase in theft from stores in 2012.

Retail stores were the prime target with 91 per cent of incidents on their premises, followed by licensed premises.

Shoplifting cost NSW more than $2.3 billion in 2011, about 3 per cent of the state’s retail economy. 

The latest figures suggest Dubbo’s retail industry is worth $219.4 million a year and at that rate of theft shoplifting could cost Dubbo businesses about $6.5 million a year.

Proof of a troubling and increased culture of shoplifting at Dubbo was in the spotlight last October when local police dealt out more than $6600 in fines during a three-day sting at Coles supermarket at Dubbo Square.

More than 42 people were caught shoplifting in a joint operation between police and the supermarket chain.

Two of the cases involved minors, police said, while 40 involved perpetrators as old as 78. Police did not rule out future operations targeting shoplifters in the city.

In Sydney last week police carried out Operation Lightfingers from Tuesday to Saturday at retail stores in Sydney CBD, Bondi Junction and Broadway.

The five-day operation resulted in the arrest of 110 people, who were charged with 128 offences, including larceny, assault, resist police, malicious damage and escape police custody.

Of the 110 people arrested, 34 people were either charged or issued field court attendance notices, 60 were issued criminal infringement notices, seven were issued youth cautions, one received a cannabis caution and eight were issued with warnings.

In addition, police recovered more than $9300 in stolen goods.

NSW Police detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bell said the influx of customers during major sales created opportunities for shoplifters.

“An increase in pedestrian traffic and busy customer service staff is often seen as opportunity for light-fingered people to take things from the store without paying for it,” he said.

“Operation Lightfingers is run regularly throughout the year and allows police and retailers to actively target these opportunistic thieves and hopefully deter anyone who thinks they might get away with it.

“Improved surveillance technology and expert skills of store security and loss prevention officers have made a significant impact on retail theft; however, it is still costing the industry billions of dollars every year.

“We are determined to work with retailers to make it clear that shoplifting and unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.”