Shoplifting surges 30% in England and Wales, official data shows

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
shoplifting surge England

LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) – Shoplifting offenses in England and Wales increased 30% in the year ending March 2024 to the highest level in 20 years, official data showed on Wednesday. This significant shoplifting surge in England highlights growing concerns for retailers and communities alike.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said there were 443,995 shoplifting offenses recorded by the police over the year, up from 342,428 in the year to March 2023. #ShopliftingSurgeEngland

The figures continue the trend of persistent increases since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retailers claim the situation is worse, as many shoplifting incidents in smaller stores go unreported. Store owners often believe the police will not respond or prosecute offenders.

The issue of shop theft and violence against store workers has been raised by many of Britain’s biggest retailers over the last year including Tesco, John Lewis and Primark , echoing similar reports in the United States and elsewhere.

Lobby group the British Retail Consortium says the industry is losing almost 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) a year from theft.

Retail workers trade union Usdaw said it was “deeply concerned” by the latest figures.

“This 30% increase in shoplifting is further evidence that we are facing an epidemic of retail crime, which is hugely concerning,” Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis said.

Britain’s new Labour government has pledged to introduce a standalone offense for assaulting a shop worker. #ShopliftingSurgeEngland

Furthermore, the shoplifting surge in England has strained local law enforcement and security resources. Retailers are experiencing heightened losses and operational challenges. As a result, many businesses are calling for increased support and preventive strategies.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

Categories

Advertisement

Photo Stories

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Curated Post Updates!

Sign up for my newsletter to see new photos, tips, and blog posts.