The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that shoplifting incidents reported to the police have risen by 25% for the year ending June 2023.

The figures, from the Crime Survey for England and Wales, show that reports of shop theft have risen to 365,164 incidents over the year.

Yet, the ACS’ Crime Report 2023 found that there were more than 1.1m incidents of theft recorded over the last year, including unreported instances.

Multiple shoplifters caught in the act by ITV crew interviewing Fed member

ACS chief executive James Lowman said that the ONS figures, while rising, still represent “a fraction of what’s actually happening on the ground”.

“The vast majority of theft still goes unreported, as retailers are frustrated at the lack of response and follow up activity from their local police forces,” he said.

The Crime Report also revealed that two thirds of those committing theft are repeat offenders, and the most commonly stolen items, as reported by retailers, are meat, alcohol and confectionery. These are high value items that can then be sold on, the ACS reported said.

Lowman added: “Convenience retailers are facing unprecedented levels of theft against their businesses at the hands of prolific offenders who are targeting stores repeatedly without fear of reproach. These incidents take a huge toll on retailers and their colleagues, so it’s crucial that every incident reported to the police gets investigated.”

In August, the ONS crime survey showed a 24% increase in shoplifting offences logged by police forces when compared with the same period last year.

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