Retail crime in the UK is reaching alarming levels, with nearly 24% of Britons witnessing shoplifting over the past year, according to a new survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The study also found that 23% of shoppers saw retail workers being physically or verbally abused, as criminals become bolder and more aggressive.
The survey, conducted by Opinium, highlights Nottingham as the worst-affected city, with 32% of residents witnessing shoplifting. London followed closely with 29%, while Southampton, Leeds, and Manchester also reported above-average crime rates. Conversely, Liverpool, Brighton, and Sheffield saw fewer incidents of retail theft than other major cities.
Retailers Say Crime is “Spiraling Out of Control”
The rise in retail crime is a growing concern for businesses, with shoplifting incidents estimated at 55,000 thefts per day. The BRC’s annual crime report, published in January, revealed that violent and abusive incidents against retail workers surged by 50% last year, with more than 70 daily incidents involving a weapon.
According to Usdaw, the shopworkers’ union, nearly 77% of retail staff reported experiencing verbal abuse, while 53% faced threats and 10% were physically assaulted.
Why Retail Crime is on the Rise
The surge in shoplifting is partly linked to the cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation, which have put a strain on household finances. However, retailers argue that organized crime gangs are also playing a major role, stealing goods to order.
Additionally, a 2014 legal change in England and Wales has made shoplifting a low-risk crime, as those stealing items worth less than £200 often avoid prison or receive only a short custodial sentence. Retailers also point to staff reductions and increased use of self-checkouts as factors making stores easier targets for theft.
Retailers Invest Billions in Security Measures
Despite the crime surge, the retail industry is fighting back, investing £1.8 billion in security measures last year. This includes:
• Increased CCTV surveillance
• Hiring more security personnel
• Installing anti-theft devices
• Using body-worn cameras for staff protection
Government Introduces Tougher Legislation
In response to rising shoplifting and violence, the UK government is introducing a crime and policing bill to remove the £200 theft threshold, ensuring tougher consequences for offenders. The legislation will also criminalize assaulting retail workers, providing stronger legal protection for shop employees.
The BRC is pushing for further protections, advocating for laws that also cover delivery drivers, similar to Scotland’s Worker Protection Act.
What’s Next for UK Retail Security?
As the government works to implement stronger laws, businesses continue investing in crime prevention. However, industry leaders warn that without decisive action, the retail crime epidemic could further damage the UK’s high streets and deter customers from shopping in-store.
BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson emphasized the urgency of the situation:
“Seeing incidents of theft or abuse has become an all-too-common part of the shopping experience. Criminals are becoming bolder and more aggressive, and decisive action is needed to put an end to it.”
With the cost of living crisis, organized retail crime, and legal loopholes contributing to this surge, how the government, businesses, and law enforcement respond will shape the future of UK retail security.
