A business spokesperson is encouraging Northland retailers to keep contacting police over smaller crimes. 

The Northland Chamber of Commerce says business owners across the region aren't calling in shoplifting because they don't think police will turn up. 

But CEO Leah McKerrow explained that even if officers can't respond - the data still goes into the system. 

"And while each incidence in its own right feels small, collectively we're starting to get a pattern."

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