Shoplifting in England and Wales Reaches Record High

Retail thefts have surged by 29% over the past year, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and new legislation.

Police recorded 469,788 shoplifting offences in the year ending June 2024, marking the highest level since records began in 2003.
Major retailers report losses of £1.8 billion due to increasingly aggressive and armed thefts, adding to consumer costs.
Only 17% of shoplifting cases led to charges, highlighting challenges in law enforcement and resource allocation.
Government and retailers advocate for new laws to make assaulting shop workers a specific offence and to address low-level theft.
Shoplifting is part of a broader rise in crime, including increases in knife crime and theft from the person.