The Office for National Statistics (ONS)  highlighted over 400,000 shoplifting incidents occurred across England and Wales in March 2024. A record-high figure that continued to increase throughout the year.

Experts and the media attribute the increase in shoplifting offences to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and lenient punishments. As a result, many retailers feel anxious about what they can do to secure their businesses.

We will now focus on key areas and outline our effective strategy to help protect your business. 

Key Statistics on Crime in Business 2023-24

Examining the key statistics on shoplifting and crime affecting businesses in 2023-2024 reveals a worrying trend. Home Office data indicates 516,971 shoplifting offences recorded by the police by December 2024.

The Crime against Businesses survey provides further insight, highlighting that 26% of wholesale and retail business premises were victims of customer theft, with losses from customer theft reaching a record £2.2 billion in 2023-24. Notably, the data also underscores the increased vulnerability of retail staff, who are most likely to experience threats and assault. These figures suggest that the problem is not only severe but also shows no signs of abating.

What’s Driving the Rise in Shoplifting?

Several interconnected socio-economic and systemic factors are fueling this surge in shoplifting.

Economic Hardship: The escalating cost of essential goods like food, energy, and housing is pushing many into financial distress. Consequently, reports are increasingly highlighting thefts of necessities such as bread, milk, baby formula, and toiletries.

Under-Resourced Policing: Stretched police forces and a reduced focus on prosecuting minor offences may cause shoplifters to feel more confident in committing these crimes. Numerous news articles over the past two years have detailed the brazenness of thieves who openly take items and leave without concern. This has, in some instances, escalated to violent threats and assaults. Alarmingly, the BRC’s 2025 Crime Survey reveals that police attended only 10% of incidents involving violence and abuse, indicating no sign of this trend slowing down.

Impact on Businesses and Communities

So, what’s the knock-on effect? Businesses are seeing their profits shrink, and the mental well-being of owners and staff is taking a hit. In response, we’re seeing a rise in preventative measures within stores, such as securing items in safety boxes and displaying empty packaging. 

However, a potentially significant shift is on the horizon with the government’s pledge to remove the £200 threshold for classifying ‘low-level’ theft. The new policy can help reduce the number of incidents, but there is another step businesses can take to help tackle this issue.

Protect your business with Professional Alert Security

Since 2005, Professional Alert Security has been a trusted partner for businesses across numerous sectors, providing highly professional security guarding services with a clear objective: safeguarding your business. 

Our meticulously trained and uniformed security personnel are strategically deployed to:

• Proactively Deter Theft: Their visible presence is a powerful and immediate deterrent, significantly reducing the likelihood of theft and other criminal activities on your premises.
• Swiftly Respond to Protect Assets: Should an incident occur, our guards are trained to intervene decisively and efficiently, minimising potential losses and effectively managing the situation.
• Cultivate a Secure and Positive Environment: Our professional security presence ensures the safety and comfort of your staff and customers, contributing to a more welcoming and productive atmosphere.
• Deliver Tailored Security Solutions: We understand that every business is unique. Our services are customised to provide the precise level and type of protection your specific needs demand, from visible patrols to discreet surveillance.

Professional Alert Security Protecting Your Retail Business: A Smart Investment

As the UK is at a record high for shoplifting offences, the need for robust security solutions is now evident. While external pressures like economic conditions and stretched police resources present ongoing challenges, forward-thinking retailers recognise the strategic advantage of investing in professional security personnel. At Professional Alert Security, we understand that hiring highly trained security guards is not just an expense; it’s a critical investment in your business.

Our dedicated team is committed to providing a visible and effective deterrent, actively protecting your valuable inventory, ensuring the safety of your staff and customers, and upholding the integrity of your brand.

Discover how Professional Alert Security can provide tangible protection and peace of mind.

Contact us today to explore tailored solutions to protect your business.