The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a significant rise in shoplifting offences, reaching a 20-year high.
- In the year ending March 2024, shoplifting offences increased by an alarming 30% from the previous year.
- The average number of shoplifting incidents per day now stands at 1,216, a significant jump from prior statistics.
- Retailers express frustration and exhaustion over the growing rate of theft and the impact on their businesses.
- Recent surveys show a notable rise in crimes against retail sectors, marking them as vulnerable targets.
The Office for National Statistics has published figures indicating that shoplifting has surged to its highest level in two decades, prompting concerns across the retail industry. The data reveals a stark 30% increase in shoplifting offences for the year ending March 2024, compared to the previous year. During this period, a total of 443,995 offences were recorded, translating to an average of 1,216 incidents each day. This represents a significant increase from the 342,428 offences recorded in the preceding 12 months.
According to the report, police-recorded theft also experienced a 3% rise, reaching a total of 1.8 million offences by March 2024. The increase in theft-related crimes was primarily driven by the surge in shoplifting and theft from individuals. Retailers are increasingly concerned as this trend places additional pressure on their operations and finances, especially independent fashion retailers who are already grappling with numerous challenges.
One disheartened retailer, sharing insights from Drapers’ upcoming annual survey, poignantly remarked on the inevitability of shoplifting occurrences. They said, ‘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.’ This sentiment underscores the emotional and financial toll on small business owners who often bear the brunt of these crimes.
Further findings from the Commercial Victimisation Survey 2023, released in May, corroborate the troubling rise in crimes against businesses. The survey estimates that 26% of premises in the wholesale and retail sector experienced customer theft in the past year, indicating a statistically significant 20% increase compared to 2014. These statistics highlight the increasing vulnerability of the sector to criminal activities, exacerbating the challenges faced by retailers in maintaining their operational viability.
With shoplifting at a 20-year high, the retail sector faces mounting challenges in curbing theft and ensuring security.
