Retail employees are grappling with a surge in shoplifting incidents this holiday season, as research reveals over 800 offenses remain unresolved daily.
During the 2024-25 period, a staggering 295,589 cases of shoplifting went unsolved, averaging 810 cases every day, marking a 65% increase from the 178,906 unresolved cases in 2019-20, according to analysis by the Liberal Democrats.
Only 19% of shoplifting cases this year resulted in a suspect being charged or summoned, with a majority (55%) closing without identifying a suspect.
The Government has committed to addressing shoplifting by strengthening local policing teams and revising legislation that currently makes it less likely for thefts under £200 to lead to prosecution.
The Liberal Democrats have called for additional measures, such as widespread CCTV installation. They propose offering grants and loans of up to £6,500 to small independent stores to enhance security and deter shoplifting, ultimately enhancing safety on high streets.
Josh Reynolds, the Lib Dem trade spokesperson and a former retail worker, emphasized the urgent need for action, highlighting the anxiety faced by many employees as they approach their holiday shifts amid the looming threat of abuse and violence from thieves.
Reynolds stated, “This holiday season, numerous dedicated retail workers will fear going to work, anticipating potential confrontations with thieves. Due to the high number of unresolved shoplifting cases, employees are compelled to intervene, putting themselves at risk to safeguard their businesses.”
He added, “Many small businesses invest significant effort into their products, only to have them stolen due to this reckless crime. The Government must prioritize protecting them and heed our plea for widespread CCTV implementation.”
Sarah Olney, the party’s business spokeswoman, underscored the severity of the shoplifting crisis, labeling it a significant menace to local businesses, high streets, and the economy.
In response to the escalating shoplifting incidents, a Home Office spokeswoman condemned the unacceptable behavior and its adverse impact on high streets. The Winter of Action initiative has been launched to combat shoplifting, following the success of a summer campaign that led to numerous arrests and fines, primarily related to shop theft and anti-social conduct.
The government aims to strengthen community-police relations, with plans to deploy an additional 3,000 officers on the streets by Spring next year to bolster neighborhood security.