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Some 26% of retailers have reported experiencing customer theft in 2023, showing that shoplifting cases have dropped from a “record” high of 28% in 2022, according to an ONS survey.
This comes despite countrywide reports of a spike in shoplifting and cases of customers abusing staff.
A prior ONS report, which used police crime figures, showed that shoplifting cases were at a 20-year high as police forces logged 430,000 instances of the offence.
Separate reports have also suggested that organised crime gangs are trafficking vulnerable people to the UK to steal from stores.
Shop staff have also reported a rise in abuse and incidents of violence.
About a third of businesses that did report a crime said they were satisfied with the police response, while 41% said they were dissatisfied.
Of those who weren’t satisfied, 63% said the police either didn’t do anything to help or didn’t turn up.
Graham Wynn, assistant director of business and regulation at the BRC, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. Retailers are forced to spend £1.2bn a year on anti-crime measures such as CCTV, security personnel, and anti-theft devices.”
