Shoplifting incidents in the UK have soared to over 1.2 million since April 2019, with a 30% increase in 2023 alone, driven largely by the cost-of-living crisis.
Retailers such as the Co-op and John Lewis have reported a surge in theft accompanied by violence against staff, raising concerns about their safety and well-being.
Despite the alarming rise in shoplifting, prosecution rates remain low, with the government being accused of treating the issue as a low-priority crime, further emboldening offenders.
Retail crime has not only resulted in financial losses reaching £1.8 billion but also heightened risks for staff who face potential injury during theft-related confrontations.
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