Local MP Tom Gordon has said small businesses "simply cannot afford" for a recent rise in shoplifting to continue.
Data from the House of Commons Library, analysed by the Liberal Democrats, indicates that 5,660 shoplifting cases were recorded by North Yorkshire Police in 2024/25, compared with 2,533 cases in 2020/21.
This represents an increase of 123.45% over five years.
The same figures show that 23.52% of shoplifting offences recorded by North Yorkshire Police last year resulted in a charge.
Mr Gordon said the rise in offences was placing increasing pressure on small and independent businesses in Harrogate and Knaresborough, particularly as many are already facing higher operating costs.
He has called for a return to what he described as “genuine community policing”, including the introduction of a “Police Counter Promise” to guarantee staffed police desks in local communities.
According to the Liberal Democrats, this would help to improve visibility and rebuild public confidence in policing.
The party has also linked concerns about shoplifting to wider economic pressures, including rising energy bills, business rates and recent changes to National Insurance contributions.
It is proposing measures such as a reduction in VAT for hospitality businesses and reform of the business rates system.
Tom said:
"Our high streets are the lifeblood of Harrogate and Knaresborough, yet local businesses are struggling with a surge in shoplifting that treats our local shops like easy targets. Our local force has upped their efforts despite the years of Conservative cuts to community policing, followed by Labour’s failure to fix the damage.
“It is unacceptable that the hardworking people in our local stores are being left to fend for themselves. Our independent businesses are already fighting to survive rising costs and business rates; they shouldn't have to worry about shoplifting too.
“We need more than just promises, the Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to real neighbourhood policing, with bobbies on the beat and dedicated police counters right here in town, so that our fantastic local shoppers and shopkeepers are kept safe."
North Yorkshire Police has previously stated it is working to deter shoplifting and bring offenders to justice, though no further comment was included alongside the data.
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