Shoplifting in England and Wales Hits Record High with Nearly 500,000 Cases

Police data reveals a 23% rise in shoplifting over the past year, as retailers call for stronger measures to address the growing issue.

Police recorded 492,914 shoplifting offences in England and Wales in the year to September 2024, a 23% increase from the previous year and the highest annual total since records began in 2003.
Retailers report that the actual number of incidents is likely much higher, with many cases going unreported to authorities.
Of the shoplifting cases recorded, 19% resulted in charges or summons, while 57% of investigations were closed with no suspect identified.
A survey by the British Retail Consortium highlights over 2,000 shoplifting incidents daily, often involving violence, threats, or abuse toward retail staff.
The government has pledged to address shoplifting by increasing police resources and introducing a specific offence for assaulting shop workers, following years of advocacy by business groups.