Overview
- Costa said it has added extra security in a small number of UK stores to keep staff and customers safe.
- Coverage named branches in Denmark Hill and Croydon in south London and near Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester using guards.
- A staff member in Manchester said thieves often take toasties, orange juice and croissants straight from the fridges.
- Official data show shoplifting rose to 519,381 offences in England and Wales in 2025, with London recording more than 100,000 in the year to October.
- The Metropolitan Police were reported to have attended about 14,000 of London’s shoplifting incidents, and retailers say in‑store guards help protect teams.