Shoplifting in England and Wales has soared to its highest level since records began, with criminals seemingly operating “without fear of apprehension.”
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 30% increase in shoplifting offences compared to last year, with 443,995 incidents recorded in the year to March 2024.
This surge in theft has coincided with a 40% rise in “thefts from the person,” including snatch thefts and pick-pocketing. The overall increase in fraud incidents is also notable, up by 8% to 1.2 million offences, largely due to cases referred by UK Finance.
A recent government report has raised concerns about Britain’s growing tolerance of fraud and theft. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) highlighted a rising “propensity to commit fraud,” with societal acceptance of dishonest behaviour making it increasingly difficult to curb benefit system abuse.
The report found a worrying trend in public attitudes, with one in five Britons now exhibiting “low integrity,” a significant increase from one in 14 a decade ago. This shift in moral standards is impacting efforts to control both tax evasion and benefit fraud.
In response to the alarming statistics, major retailers have voiced their concerns about the escalating costs of theft. The new Labour government has pledged to address low-level shoplifting and introduce specific criminal offences for assaulting shop workers.
James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, emphasised the organised nature of these crimes. “The gangs committing most of these thefts are stealing to fund other criminal activities or drug and alcohol habits. They often target high-value items to sell to people struggling with the cost of living.”
Home Office data revealed that of the 417,582 shoplifting cases recorded in 2023/24, only 17% resulted in charges or summons, while 58% were closed with no suspect identified. This compares to 16% and 55%, respectively, in the previous year.
Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, criticised the previous Tory government’s handling of law and order. She promised that Labour would bolster neighbourhood policing and introduce stronger laws to tackle knife crime, shoplifting, and assaults on retail workers.
Cooper stated, “This Labour government will put neighbourhood police back on the beat in our town centres, with stronger laws on knife crime, shoplifting, and assaults on shop workers to keep our communities safe.”
Superintendent Andy Sidebotham from the College of Policing highlighted the police’s efforts to prioritise thefts involving detained offenders, violence, or available evidence like CCTV. He acknowledged the public’s concern and committed to improving investigative standards.
Separate Home Office figures showed a slight increase in the proportion of investigations closed with no suspect identified, rising to 40.2% from 39.3%. The percentage of suspects being taken to court remains low, with only 6.4% of cases reaching prosecution, including a mere 2.6% of rape cases.
