UK shoplifting offences reach record high as over 1.2m cases logged since 2019

UK shoplifting hits all-time high with 344,709 cases in 2023, driven by the cost-of-living crisis. Retailers face rising losses, while police struggle to keep up.

Shoplifting in the UK has reached unprecedented levels, with over 1.2 million cases recorded by police forces since April 2019, according to data obtained by Personal Injury Claims UK.

The surge is particularly pronounced in 2023, with 344,709 offences logged—a 30% rise over the previous year—marking a new 20-year high in England and Wales.

The cost-of-living crisis is cited as a significant factor driving the increase, as economic pressures lead to higher theft rates across the country. Retailers like the Co-op and John Lewis have reported record incidents of theft, often accompanied by abuse and violence toward staff. These crimes have taken a financial toll, with losses from theft doubling to £1.8 billion this year and £1.2 billion spent on security measures, up from £950 million last year.

Despite the rise in offences, prosecution rates remain low. Retail leaders have accused the government of treating shoplifting as a low-priority crime, with a large gap between reported incidents and legal consequences. The Times found that in many cases, police have ceased pursuing charges, further emboldening offenders. The Metropolitan Police Service recorded the most cases of shoplifting among UK forces, with over 215,000 offences since 2019.

The surge in retail crime has put pressure on staff, who face a growing risk of injury during confrontations with shoplifters.

As retailers invest heavily in anti-theft measures, questions remain about whether the government and law enforcement agencies will address the underlying issues contributing to this rise in shoplifting.


Jamie Young

Jamie is a seasoned business journalist and Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting. Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops to stay at the forefront of emerging trends. When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs, sharing their wealth of knowledge to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

https://bmmagazine.co.uk/

Jamie is a seasoned business journalist and Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting. Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops to stay at the forefront of emerging trends. When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs, sharing their wealth of knowledge to inspire the next generation of business leaders.