Retail crime in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie has risen astronomically in the last two years.
The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics data reveals an up-tick in shoplifting offences with more than 2260 reported incidents.
That figure is almost 50 per cent higher than the last set of data and comes in well-above the state average.
Other stealing activities in the area were also on an upward trajectory but the increase was only 9.9 per cent.
Meantime, a closer look at the stats in the Hunter Valley made for sobering reading with the latest numbers shows criminal incidents related to sexual offences have had a 35.4 per cent increase.
Motor vehicle theft was also up by 18 per cent.