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.