The UK is grappling with a shoplifting epidemic, reporting a record high of 16.7 million incidents last year, doubling the figure from 2022 and resulting in $112 billion in losses. This surge is part of a broader increase in violence and abuse against retail workers, reaching levels last seen during the Covid pandemic, with 1,300 incidents occurring daily. Police failed to attend 40% of violent shoplifting incidents, despite agreements to prioritize such offences. The issue has prompted calls for action, including Labour's proposal for 13,000 additional neighborhood police and PCSOs and new legislation to protect shop workers. Retailers are demanding a stronger police response to organized crime, while the former head of the Crown Prosecution Service suggests sparing shoplifters from prosecution to reduce court backlogs and prison overcrowding.
UK retail workers: have you noticed a rise in difficult customer behaviour? https://t.co/Mll0W6cxDZ
'There is not a lot being done to prevent shoplifting' Ex-Met Detective Superintendent Shabnam Chaudri reacts to the news that retail workers are experiencing increasing levels of violence. https://t.co/37thUZjKVX
There's a concerning rise in violence against hospital workers across the state and nation. Philly nurses say it's become part of the job. https://t.co/OeskEsCP9r
‘Is it that sense of impunity? The sense that you can just get away with it?’ @ShelaghFogarty ponders the cause behind the shoplifting ‘epidemic’ as abuse against shoplifters soars. https://t.co/GDao9YUzq5
It is vital that action is taken to protect our shop workers and only @UKLabour have a plan to do this. https://t.co/DRtGfX3fKj https://t.co/ftviwzXcx1
Shoplifters should be spared prosecution and jail to help tackle court backlogs and overcrowded prisons, says the former head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) @AlexChalkChelt @JamesCleverly @CPhilpOfficial @PoliceChiefs https://t.co/Af90BuHBub https://t.co/uGV1xXBMe4
The amount of violence, threats and abuse that shopworkers face every day is shocking – and it’s rising. No one should have to go to work fearing for their safety. This crisis demands action now. https://t.co/su9L9FD3b5
Shoplifting has hit a record high with 16.7 million incidents recorded last year - more than double compared with 2022 Read more 🔗 https://t.co/maNDjC9eRW
The government is being urged to take tougher action against attacks on retail workers amid soaring levels of violence and abuse towards shop staff ⬇️ https://t.co/Zn0Ytqvxfz
Abuse and attacks on UK shop workers has risen to 1,300 incidents a day. I spoke to staff at #Tesco in #Cleckheaton this week about the alarming and totally unacceptable abuse they face every day. No one should feel unsafe just doing their job. @UsdawUnion https://t.co/OKJ7LkW7Gg https://t.co/hUggcg99ca
Shocking 50% increase in violence & abuse against shopworkers. Labour will put 13,000 more neighbourhood police & PCSOs on streets + new law against shopworker assaults to bring security back to our town centres. Shameful that Tories keep voting against it https://t.co/NTKatdjY0r
Shoplifting 'epidemic' hits record high as abuse against shop workers also soars, survey shows Read more 👇 https://t.co/GRBKVdJreB
UK retailers are struggling against a rise in organized crime, and they’re calling on police to step up their response as violence against staff reaches levels last seen during the Covid pandemic https://t.co/PWqo7ijwyO via @KatieLinsell https://t.co/JT3EnufZEL
UK retailers are struggling against a rise in organized crime, and they’re calling on police to step up their response as violence against staff reaches levels last seen during the Covid pandemic https://t.co/KUqqkfoAUQ
$112 billion was lost in 2022 alone from retail theft, and it’s not just the money – it’s the deterioration of culture and the rule of law. https://t.co/WAUb2ypZyl
Under siege: Retailers flee cities as unarmed security, public authorities fail to curb thefts https://t.co/ooRR6O1mEa https://t.co/9DEGvOSI3H
'You don't need a specific offence, it's an offence already!' Criminal Barrister & former Conservative MP, Jerry Hayes and former Labour Special Advisor, Paul Richards, clash over a lack in police attendance to shoplifting crimes. https://t.co/CbI5KQnPHf
Two thieves were caught on camera stealing bikes from a local business in Orange last night. https://t.co/me4egdADkt
When nurses are being attacked coning back from their shifts - surely the Council and Police must realise the time to act is now! I have demanded they come and see it and do something! 💪 https://t.co/LQGFcbYsJG
Police failed to attend 40 per cent of shoplifting incidents where there was violence, despite an agreement to prioritise such offences, official figures show. @JamesCleverly https://t.co/16LUZgI9oD https://t.co/6cen8oS4KM
A group of women shoplifting at the Outlets at Orange in Orange, California, sparking security concerns — this behavior needs to stop. Enough is enough! https://t.co/vX5aQdEbfg