Revealed: Almost 200 shoplifting offences reported to police go unsolved across London every day

"These shameful figures show that the police are failing to crack down on the shoplifting epidemic facing our country."

"He told BBC Radio Berkshire that he was not suggesting the public should tackle shoplifting instead of the police. But he said they could report it to police or staff, film it on their mobile phone, shout at the thief and some people will feel able to physically intervene."

"The suggestion by a Conservative police chief that it's up to the public to stop shoplifters was both reckless and dangerous."

"I've worked in retail so I know what it feels like to have to confront shoplifters it's frightening and it's dangerous."

Police forces in England and Wales closed 289,464 cases with no suspect in 2024-25, up from 245,337 in 2023-24. Analysis for the Liberal Democrats found an average of 793 offences a day went unsolved across forces and about 197 offences a day went unsolved in London. Recorded shoplifting offences rose to 530,643 in 2024-25, a 20% increase from 444,022 the previous year and the highest total since 2002-03. Shop theft is estimated to cost London retailers £17.01 million per month. Data covered all territorial forces except Humberside, plus the British Transport Police. Calls for public intervention drew criticism from MPs and retail workers.

Read at www.standard.co.uk