The Fed is calling for government grants to boost security in smaller convenience stores, as theft incidents exceed 500,000 for the first time, new figures show.

According to the latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), police in England and Wales recorded a total of 516,971 cases of shoplifting in 2024 – up 20% from 429,873 in 2023.

The ONS confirmed this is the highest figure since current recording practices began more than 20 years ago.

Last year, The Fed launched its Safe, Secure, Supported campaign aimed at police, crime commissioners and politicians, to support its call for grants to help smaller stores install equipment such as high-quality CCTV systems.

Shoplifting incidents rose 20% in 2024, according to ONS

A recent survey of its members found that 72% of those who responded had experienced shoplifting, break-ins and damage to property, while their staff had been subjected to physical or verbal threats.

Mo Razzak, The Fed’s national president, said that whilst the figures were “shocking”, they came as “no surprise” to independent retailers.

He added: “In realty, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as many incidents go unreported due to lack of confidence in the police and the justice system to take appropriate action to tackle this growing problem.

“We hope that 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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