Shoplifting in the UK has been recorded at its highest in two decades, averaging 1,200 incidents daily, according to the latest data.
- The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has highlighted a significant increase in shoplifting offences, marking a 30% rise over the last year.
- Independent retailers express concern over the growing trend, indicating a strain on resources and morale.
- A substantial portion of the retail sector reports experiencing theft, with notable impacts on business operations.
- The increase in shoplifting incidents contributes significantly to the overall rise in theft crimes across the nation.
The prevalence of shoplifting has reached unprecedented levels, as evidenced by the recent figures released by the Office for National Statistics. This data reveals a 30% increase in shoplifting offences for the year ending March 2024, compared to the previous year. An average of 1,216 incidents occur daily, summing up to 443,995 offences annually, far surpassing the 342,428 recorded in the previous period.
The upsurge is not limited to shoplifting alone but is part of a broader escalation in theft-related crimes, which have risen by 3% to a total of 1.8 million offences. This rise is largely attributed to increases in both shoplifting and theft from individuals.
Retailers, particularly independents, have voiced their frustrations regarding the situation. In Drapers’ forthcoming survey, a retailer contemplates the inevitability of shoplifting, expressing the emotional toll and the financial burden of necessary preventive measures like CCTV installations, estimated at around £500.
The Commercial Victimisation Survey 2023 corroborates the findings, highlighting a rise in crimes against businesses. Approximately 26% of premises in the wholesale and retail sectors reported theft by customers in the past year, a statistically significant 20% increase from 2014.
Such persistent threats to business operations underline the pressing need for effective security strategies and support from law enforcement to mitigate these impacts.
The current trend poses critical challenges to retailers, emphasizing the urgent need for improved security and support measures.
