There are undoubtedly many reasons why shoplifting offences are spiralling in Bradford city centre.

The recession, unemployment, more pressure to buy Christmas presents, and drug and alcohol addiction are among them. But these reasons matter little to those who are victims of this criminal behaviour.

In the last nine months, there have been 583 shoplifting offences in the city centre – the equivalent of more than two offences every day. Some might argue that it is a victimless crime, particularly when chain stores are involved, as the insurance covers any losses.

However, the impact of increased insurance premiums as a result of more and more pay outs will ultimately hit the customer, the law-abiding citizen who pays for his or her goods, through price increases.

And that doesn’t take into account the smaller, independent businesses who can end up being forced to shut up shop as a result of rapidly rising premiums on the back of claims for theft.

It also fails to address the more basic question – why should these thieves have something for nothing? The police have pledged to ban those caught stealing from the city centre and rigorously enforce that through patrols.

But they must also go one step further and publicly name and shame all those who are caught, letting traders see the pictures of these criminals.

Some might see this as a draconian response.

But the vast majority of Bradford citizens use their hard-earned and hard-saved money to pay for what they want, even if it sometimes means sacrifices.

Why should they subsidise the few who feel they are entitled to simply take what they want?