A recent report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights a significant surge in shoplifting incidents, marking a 20-year high.
- Shoplifting offences rose by 30% in the year ending March 2024, compared to the previous year, totalling 443,995 incidents.
- The report attributes the increase largely to shoplifting and theft from individuals, with daily thefts averaging 1,216.
- A retailer expressed frustration over the inevitability and emotional toll of shoplifting, and the financial burden of preventative measures.
- A 2023 survey revealed significant growth in business-targeted crimes, indicating a rise in theft affecting 26% of wholesale and retail businesses.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported an alarming rise in shoplifting offences, reaching their highest level in two decades. This marks a 30% increase compared to the previous year, concluding in March 2024 with 443,995 reported incidents. Such a notable rise emphasizes the pressing issue of retail crime impacting businesses across the nation.
This report further details that the predominant factors contributing to this increase are offences related to shoplifting and theft from individuals. Daily theft incidents have reached an average of 1,216, highlighting a critical challenge for retailers.
As part of an upcoming annual survey conducted by an independent fashion retailer association, one retailer candidly shared the personal and operational burdens caused by shoplifting. The retailer stated, “It’s really difficult and it’s just a drain on you as a person when you walk up to your premises and you go, ‘oh gosh what have they done now’? And of course, you have to buy CCTV [cameras], which is probably £500. It’s exhausting.”
The Commercial Victimisation Survey of 2023, published in May, also supports these findings, indicating an escalation in crimes against businesses. An estimated 26% of premises within the wholesale and retail sectors have experienced customer theft within the preceding year, signifying a substantial 20% increase since 2014.
Such statistics indicate a troubling trend, requiring strategic changes in how theft is managed and prevented within the retail industry. The growing prevalence of theft not only affects the bottom line of businesses but also necessitates investments in security measures, illustrating the broader economic and emotional impact on business owners.
The current trends in shoplifting reflect a substantial challenge for businesses, demanding urgent attention and comprehensive strategies to mitigate its impact.
