Shoplifting rose by more than one-third in Scotland in the year ending June 2024 compared to the year ending June 2023, from 30,202 to 40,554 incidents.

The official government figures also showed that there has been an increase by 50% from the year ending June 2020 (from 27,045).

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), said the statistics are “appalling”.

“Despite record spending by retailers on crime prevention the rate of thefts continues to rise,” he continued. “In fact, these figures won’t even capture the full picture as many thefts aren’t reported by retailers who are sceptical that action will be taken. Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime. Shoplifting is the main factor behind abuse and threats towards shop workers and we know from member feedback that thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive.

Lonsdale added that the SRC is urging for crime against retailers to be made a “greater priority” by the authorities, including in the Scottish government’s Strategic Police Priorities, to ensure shops are made safer.

Brazen

Nathalie Fullerton, of One Stop Partick in Glasgow, told Better Retailing: “We’ve been victims a few times now – it’s getting bad. People are becoming more brazen, there are no consequences. There aren’t enough police, and they don’t bother to come out anyway.

“Obviously, we can chase shoplifters down but it’s a risk – you could get hurt, and the chances of getting your goods back are slim. Is it worth it? I’m not surprised by these stats. It’s all becoming more normal. We recently had two shoplifters punch a staff member when they were confronted. Some say these crimes are faceless but they’re not – these people are taking food out of my kids mouths and it’s totally personal. I’m furious.”

Faraz Iqbal, owner of Linktown Local store in Kirkcaldy, Fife, said the statistics “reflect what’s going on in real life”.

“It is reflective of what I’m seeing, which is more opportunists stealing,” he said. “We’re a local shop just trying to keep it all under control. Over the last year, there have been more people making attempts. I’ve definitely seen a change. I’m seeing it from a lot of retailers, too – it’s getting worse according to word of mouth. On social media, I’m seeing a lot of CCTV videos of people blatantly stealing.”

The figures from the Scottish government also show that the police recorded 300,070 crimes overall in the year ending June 2024 – 3% higher than the 292,702 crimes recorded in the year ending June 2023, and similar to the 300,333 crimes recorded in the year ending June 2020.

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