Overview

• Shoplifting offences in England and Wales reached a record 516,971 in 2024, a 20% rise from the previous year, according to official data.
• Security firm Kingdom Services reports a significant increase in pensioners shoplifting essentials like food, with 5% of weekly cases involving individuals over 50.
• Retailers are trialing facial recognition technology to deter theft and identify repeat offenders, but concerns about privacy and effectiveness remain.
• Organised crime and violent incidents against retail staff are on the rise, with some employees facing daily threats, including physical assaults and weapons on site.
• The government is reviewing penalties for low-level theft and considering new legislation to address organised retail crime and protect workers.