Shoplifting is surging in the UK, with certain cities facing alarming theft rates amid economic struggles and rising violence against shop workers
In the year ending June 2024, there were nearly 470,000 shoplifting incidents. This number is likely to grow due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. Sadly, violence against shop workers is also on the rise. Some folks blame the slow police response, while others think it’s just too hard to report these crimes.
Bionic, a comparison site, found that shoplifting cases jumped by 26% in one year. That’s about 7.1 crimes for every 1,000 people. Some police forces are seeing way more reports than others.
Cleveland Police in Middlesbrough has the highest rate, with 14 shoplifting crimes per 1,000 people. On the flip side, Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales has the lowest at just three. The North East is leading in shoplifting, with a rate of 11.5 per 1,000 people, which is 35% above the national average. Northern Ireland is much lower at 4.6, a whopping 60% below the average.
Interestingly, the Met, which is the UK’s largest police force, ranks 19th with 6.4 crimes per 1,000 people. That’s lower than other major cities like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. In 2023, the Met reported over £15 million worth of stolen goods.
Laura Court Jones from Bionic said the rise in theft is linked to economic pressures. Small businesses are hit hard, especially those that can’t afford security measures.
Shoplifting isn’t steady throughout the year. July sees the most incidents, with over 40,000 crimes reported. That’s 27% more than in January, which has the fewest.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from around the world!