Police say they're going to great lengths to crack down on crime amid a spike in offending against small businesses.

Statistics show that in the year to February, there was a 3.9 percent increase in theft, robbery and unlawful entry.

The problem has led to a number of community leaders threatening to go on hunger strike if the Government fails to act.

Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent John Tims, said Operation Dukan, launched last month, has seen police working closely with retailers to help address the problem.

"We've visited 931 stores across Auckland - dairies, service stations and of course liquor shops - making sure they understand what they can do to help themselves around prevention."

He said it's vital retailers don't take the law into their own hands.

"If someone does come to your shop and they are threatening and they do want to steal cigarettes or alcohol it is better to let them take the product than getting in the way."

Superintendent Tims said police have arrested around 70 offenders since February.