Shoplifting in England and Wales has soared to its highest level since records began, with criminals seemingly operating “without fear of apprehension.”
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 30 per cent increase in offences compared to last year, with 443,995 incidents recorded in the year to March 2024.
A recent government report has raised concerns about Britain’s growing tolerance of theft and fraud. The Department for Work and Pensions highlighted a rising “propensity to commit fraud,” with societal acceptance of dishonest behaviour making it increasingly difficult to curb benefit system abuse.
In response, major retailers have voiced their concerns about the escalating costs of theft. The new Labour government has pledged to address low-level shoplifting and introduce specific criminal offences for assaulting shop workers.
Home Office data revealed that of the 417,582 shoplifting cases recorded in 2023/24, only 17 per cent resulted in charges or summons, while 58 per cent were closed with no suspect identified.
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, criticised the previous Tory government’s handling of law and order. She promised that Labour would bolster neighbourhood policing and introduce stronger laws to tackle shoplifting and assaults on retail workers.
