Increase in shoplifting 24 April 2025

The Crime Survey for England and Wales, published today (24 April) for the year ending December 2024 shows a troubling increase in shoplifting offences, reaching over half a million incidents. This surge has been accompanied by a rise in violence, threats and abuse directed towards retail staff.

Individuals engaged in shop theft are increasingly resorting to violence, threats, intimidation and abuse directed at staff. Being challenged or apprehended for shop theft is the number one trigger for violence and verbal abuse in the retail sector – accounting for 25% of incidents (having grown from 15% of incidents in 2016 to 21% in 2017). The current elevated rates of shoplifting multiply the likelihood of incidents in which thieves become aggressive.

The Labour Government has pledged to address the rise in retail crime through stronger measures to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, including removing the £200 threshold of ‘low level’ theft. They also announced in the King’s Speech they would introduce a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker. Retailers will be looking closely at the details of the Crime and Policing Bill to ensure that its protections apply to all customer-facing retail workers, from those behind the till to delivery drivers.

At ESG Security we support calls for an increased police presence and stricter penalties for retail crime, especially targeting repeat offenders and those involved in violence. We also support better partnership working between retailers, police and the Government. For all the Labour Government and Yvette Cooper sound bites, it’s clear immediate and effective action is needed now.