Shoplifting incidents in Scotland have escalated to their highest level in a decade, sparking concern among retailers and authorities alike.
- New figures reveal nearly 40,000 shoplifting offences occurred last year, marking a 41% increase over the decade.
- Retailers report substantial spending on crime prevention measures, yet theft rates continue to rise.
- The Scottish Retail Consortium highlights the adverse impact on shop workers and consumers, calling for more stringent government action.
- Both major political parties have committed to addressing retail crime in their election manifestos.
Shoplifting in Scotland has reached unprecedented levels, with a staggering 38,674 offences recorded last year. This marks a 35% increase from just 2023-2024 alone and a 41% rise over the past decade, according to the Records Crime in Scotland 2023-24 report.
Despite significant investments in security and prevention strategies, retailers continue to face rising theft rates. Many thefts also remain unreported, as some retailers feel that the response from authorities is inadequate.
The director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, David Lonsdale, described these developments as “appalling” and emphasised that shoplifting is far from a victimless crime. The increasing instances of theft are linked to a surge in abusive and aggressive behaviour towards shop workers, creating a hostile environment.
Financial repercussions of these crimes are considerable, with costs being transferred to consumers through higher prices. The Scottish Retail Consortium urges governmental bodies to prioritise retail crime in policy and policing strategies to secure safer retail environments.
In line with the increasing concern, political figures from both the Labour and Conservative parties have included commitments to tackling retail crime within their general election platforms, signalling a potential policy shift should they gain power.
Rising shoplifting figures in Scotland underscore the need for enhanced efforts in prevention and governance to protect retailers and consumers alike.
