Last month, it was revealed that the number of reported incidents of shoplifting has soared to more than half a million for the first time. 

According to the latest statistics, the police in England and Wales recorded a total of 516,971 cases of shoplifting in 2024, up by 20% from 429,873 in 2023. The Office for National Statistics confirmed this is the highest since current recording practices began more than 20 years ago. 

The key word, however, is ‘reported’. In reality, this is the tip of the iceberg, as many incidents go unreported due to a lack of confidence in the justice system. While the official numbers are shocking, they come as no surprise to independent retailers, as we face these incidents daily. 

Last month, one of my staff members suffered a broken finger after she rightly refused to accept the ID a person presented when trying to buy a pack of beer. When she said she believed the ID was fake and refused the sale, the person became abusive, then tried to steal the beer by grabbing it. During the ensuing struggle, my staff member was injured. 

SGF reveals ‘devastating’ retail crime impact costing avg. local shop £19,673 per year

Last year, the Fed launched the Safe, Secure, Supported campaign, aimed at police and crime commissioners, as well as politicians, to back our call for grants to help smaller businesses to install equipment such as high-quality CCTV systems. 

Despite receiving verbal support from various quarters, and comments from politicians in the media, nothing has been forthcoming in terms of what, if anything, is to be done about it. 

I hope the latest disturbing statistics on shoplifting encourage the government to provide the financial help that is urgently needed to tackle the surge in retail crime. 

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