The UK’s shoplifting problem has reached a level that is causing retailers, police, and citizens to be concerned. Shoplifting offences have increased in comparison to previous years, according to the Office for National Statistics. It’s not just a few items that are being pocketed here and there, it’s a huge epidemic which has cost retailers over £1 billion.
Shoplifters are becoming more aggressive
It is evident that crime has changed. The criminals are no longer hiding items in their coats. They now sweep entire shelves into bags, and walk out calmly. People don’t just pinch one bottle and try to hide it secretly in their coat. They just sweep them all into bags and walk out. This newfound bravado tells us criminals find shoplifting a low-risk and high-reward endeavour.
Shoplifting Spreads: From Big Cities To Quiet Towns
Shoplifting has become a serious problem, not only in large cities, but also in quieter, smaller towns. The chairman of Asda said that shoplifting has become almost like a non-crime because the police don’t do much to stop it. The theft of goods from shops has increased by 19% in the UK over the past year, and it is even worse in the 10 biggest cities with a 27% rise. This problem is not limited to rough neighbourhoods; it has spread into peaceful areas as well. Find information on the benefits of fitting a Security Seal to goods by visiting https://acmeseals.co.uk
Shoplifting in England and Wales 2002-2023 and Hotspots for 2022/2023
The police recorded approximately 342,343 shoplifting cases in England and Wales during the reporting year 2022/2023. The increase is significant, as it represents a substantial jump from the 275,076 cases recorded in the previous reporting year. This could cause concern to both law enforcement and retailers. Shoplifting will remain a problem in 2024 despite fluctuations in the past. As retailers and police force plan strategies for combating retail theft, it’s important to pay attention to the rising numbers.
It is important to understand that some areas will have more shoplifting than others. This information can help you stop theft. Cleveland and Nottinghamshire, for example, have high levels of shoplifting. They need to develop special plans in order to combat it. Surrey, on the other hand, has very little shoplifting. Other places could learn from Surrey. This data helps us understand the extent of the problem and what can be done to prevent it in future.