Why is shoplifting on the rise and should the public step in?

The debate of what to do about shoplifters has intensified with the number of offences surpassing 500,000 for the first time last year, up 20 per cent from 2023.

Matthew Barber, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said last week: “If you’re not even going to challenge people, you’re not going to try and stop them, then people will get away with it. That’s not just about policing.

"That’s a bigger problem with society, people who [don’t do anything] – you’re part of the problem.”

Emilie Martin, a 29-year-old event manager, told LBC that she was assaulted by a gang of shoplifters after she confronted them at a Hackney Tesco and reported their crimes.

“Ten years on, I can honestly say that every system that should have helped me afterwards has failed me and that has been the biggest shock,” she said, adding she has suffered PTSD.

She agreed with Mr Barber that we live in a society and that “apathy is dangerous”, but said more needs to be done to ensure there is “a safety net for victims in those instances”.

Here we explore the issue in more depth.

Who are the people shoplifting and why has there been a rise?

Shop theft has hit a record high in England and Wales, with a 20 per cent surge for the year ending March 2025, and London is a particular hotspot with a rise of up to 50 per cent.

Acts have become increasingly brazen and the British Retail Consortium has said that there may be even more incidents that the figures suggest, with incidents a daily reality.

Helen Dickinson, the consortium’s chief executive, said: "They don't see that there's necessarily any consequences. It's outrageous and out of control in many parts of the country.”

Shopkeepers have reported criminals feeling that there is little deterrent with police sometimes being unable to catch shoplifters, even those who are caught robbing on CCTV without a mask.

“There is [also] a perception that shoplifting is a victimless crime and against a faceless corporation,” Sukesh Verma, of Nottinghamshire Police, said.

“This could not be further from the truth. Our local people work in these shops, and they should not have to go to work with fear of being threatened, intimidated, attacked, or watch this type of behaviour take place.”

"Shopkeepers come in to do their 9-5, and they are constantly abused, sworn at, threatened, or sometimes worse, people pull weapons,” Sergeant Christopher Howard, of London’s Metropolitan Police, added.

As well as the physical aspect, shops are also losing thousands every year due to shoplifting.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that the cost of living crisis is leading to more crimes being committed.

But the culprits are not always who you might expect.

Richard Fowler of Islington’s Planet Organic told the media: "You've got three types of shoplifter.

"We've got our homeless... Then we have what I would call the Posh Totty people. They shop in Planet Organic on a daily basis, they spend a lot of money with our business.

"[They think] 'today I'm a little bit short of money, so I'm entitled to steal something'."

How have police been trying to stop shoplifting?

Shops themselves have tried locking doors and only allowing a limited number of customers in, although one deterrent that might be on its way out is the trend for shops to stick posters in windows of those who they have seen shoplifting, as this does not comply with GDPR.

Police are also working on various strategies around the country.

LBC was given access to the Met’s Operation Cuff which has seen officers in plain clothes targeting violent, prolific shoplifters in north London.

A new strategy has seen officers working with supermarkets using SelectaDNA, a synthetic DNA which is sprayed on items with a unique pattern, meaning that stolen items can be identified much more easily.

Katy Bourne, the national lead for shoplifting at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said more robust police interventions and “meaningful criminal justice measures” are needed to prevent reoffending.

She said in Sussex, where she is police and crime commissioner, electronic tagging is being introduced, as are live facial recognition cameras in specially-adapted police vans.

In Nottinghamshire, meanwhile, police are working with local businesses to discuss store layout and how to make it harder for shoplifters to strike.

Fast-track rehabilitation has also been offered to a number of local offenders with substance misuse problems.

Should the public step in to stop shoplifters?

Beyond Mr Barber’s comments, authorities have been reluctant to suggest that tackling shoplifters is something the public should do.

The Met and Thames Valley Police press offices have both been asked if they feel a member of the public should step in to stop shoplifters and neither directly replied.

They also did not respond to a question as to how they consider the public should best step in.

A Met spokesman said: "Working with retailers to tackle shoplifting remains a priority for the Met. Through proactive patrols and activity, we have solved 163 per cent more cases across London this year than in the same period last year. "We would encourage anyone who witnesses offending to call 999."

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "We are fully committed to tackling retail crime and supporting victims. "We welcome the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner’s comments about the role the public can play in reporting shoplifting but we would also advise that they avoid putting themselves at risk. "Our officers are trained to respond swiftly and safely to shoplifting and related offences so any victims or witnesses should call 999 at the time.

“To report after the fact, call 101 or go to our website.”