Data from the Office for National Statistics showing a 20% increase in shoplifting over the last 12 months has prompted calls for action to tackle this worrying trend.
The ONS’ figures show 516,971 shoplifting incidents were recorded in 2024, up from 429,873 the previous year, and the biggest increase since records began.
The Federation of Independent Retailers (FED) is calling for government grants to help smaller stores tackle rising crime levels, while also warning that the half-million figure represents the “tip of the iceberg”.
The Fed’s national president, Mo Razzaq, says that while the rise would “come as no surprise to independent retailers” who “face these incidents on a daily basis”, the true scale of retail crime is far higher, as “many incidents go unreported due to lack of confidence in the police and the justice system to take appropriate action”.
A recent survey of its members by the Fed revealed 72% of independent retailers have experienced shoplifting, break-ins or property damage, with verbal and physical assaults on staff commonplace.
In 2024 the organisation launched a campaign calling for government grants for smaller retailers to help them install security equipment such as CCTV systems.
Razzaq said he hopes the “disturbing” figures from the ONS will “encourage the government to provide the financial help that is urgently needed to tackle the surge in retail crime.”
Data from the British Independent Retail Association has previously indicated that 80% of shopkeepers have been the victim of theft in the last year, with half not bothering to report such crimes due to a perceived lack of action.
