Record number of shoplifting crimes recorded in London as figures soar across UK

A record-breaking number of shoplifting offences were recorded in London last year, new figures have revealed. The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling for urgent action to tackle this "concerning trend" in order to safeguard employees and customers.

Stats from the Office for National Statistics highlighted 57,210 shoplifting incidents recorded by the Met Police in 2023. This figure represents a staggering 50 per cent jump from the 38,103 offences in 2022, marking the highest levels since records started in 2003.

John Halliday, marketing director for Bira, voiced concern over these latest figures which he believes "paint a troubling picture for independent retailers and businesses across the UK". He pointed out: "Retail crime not only inflicts financial losses but also poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of shop staff and customers."

READ MORE: Shoplifter stole £6,500 worth of booze and food from petrol station

Halliday also noted a recent Bira survey found 35.5 per cent of shop staff had experienced verbal abuse while at work. Worryingly, of those physically assaulted, a whopping 70 per cent opted not to report the altercations to the police.

"It's imperative that urgent action is taken to address this concerning trend and ensure the security of both businesses and their employees and customers," he stated.

Shoplifting crimes in England and Wales leapt by 37 per cent, reaching a staggering 430,104 recorded incidents in the year up to December 2023, the highest level in two decades.

James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, confessed that these figures were "sadly not surprising".

He further commented: "Thieves are stealing on a regular basis without fear of apprehension, so it's essential that every police force in the country takes theft seriously, not least because challenging thieves is one of the biggest triggers for abuse of shopworkers".

The figures likely only represent a "fraction of the true picture on shop theft", he said, as the "vast majority" end up not being reported. Nick Stripe, from the ONS, said that police recorded crime in the past 12 months shows "notable" increases in robbery, theft from the person and shoplifting.

The data reveals 81,094 robberies were recorded in England and Wales in 2023, up 13 per cent from the year before. The number of offences involving theft from the person rose 18 per cent from 2022, reaching 125,563 recorded crimes last year.

In London, there were 33,805 robbery offences in 2023, up from 27,626 the year before. There were also 72,292 theft from the person offences recorded last year, a rise from 57,346 in 2022.

Crime and policing minister Chris Philp insisted the figures show "communities are safer and our plan to cut crime and protect the public is working". He added: "We know there is always more to do. Earlier this month, we set out tough new action to clamp down on shoplifting and through the Criminal Justice Bill, we are giving the police more powers to seize dangerous weapons."

Our London Court & Crime newsletter brings you the latest major court updates and breaking news straight to your inbox. You can sign up HERE.