Retail crime declines following industry action

New figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that retail crime declined last year.

The data for year ending March 2026 shows how shoplifting offences declined by 4% to 507,086.

While more still needs to be done, the industry has welcomed the trend and hopes its joint action has contributed.

Commenting on the news, Lucy Whig, crime policy adviser at the BRC, explained: “While today’s figures give a welcome indication of progress, the baseline challenge facing retailers across the country remains vast, and the pace of change is far too slow. Shop theft is not a victimless crime – it drives up prices for consumers everywhere and makes the workplace less safe for colleagues.”

She added: “The retail industry, in partnership with authorities, has made significant progress, with the new standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker, as well as the removal of the £200 threshold for ‘low-level’ theft.”

Concluding: “There is also more intelligence-sharing, targeted action against prolific offenders, and greater collaboration across the industry. But there is still much to be done, and it will be crucial that the new legislation is effectively enforced, with retailers and authorities continuing to work together so that this progress can continue.”