Shoplifting incidents in Scotland have reached unprecedented levels, sparking concern from retail authorities who deem it ‘appalling.’
- In the last decade, shoplifting in Scotland has surged, with a notable 41% increase in thefts.
- The Scottish Retail Consortium highlights the financial and social implications of this trend.
- Shoplifting incidents have led to increased abuse and threats towards retail workers.
- Political parties have pledged to enhance efforts against retail crime as part of their election campaigns.
Shoplifting in Scotland has escalated to a 10-year high, a situation that the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has described as ‘appalling.’ The concern stems from the latest figures published in the Records Crime in Scotland 2023-24 report, which reveals nearly 40,000 incidents of shoplifting in the past year alone. This marks a 41% increase in theft over the last decade. The data illustrates a continual rise in shoplifting since 2014, with a brief decline in 2019 attributed to Covid-19 restrictions. Notably, the year 2023-2024 saw a dramatic 35% rise, amounting to 38,674 reported cases.
David Lonsdale, the director of the SRC, emphasized the grave nature of the situation, stating, ‘It’s appalling that shoplifting has soared to a 10-year high. Despite record spending by retailers on crime prevention, the rate of thefts continues to rise.’ He expressed concern that the actual figures might be underestimated, as numerous incidents go unreported due to retailers’ belief that little action will be taken by authorities.
The SRC’s analysis indicates that shoplifting is far from a victimless crime. Lonsdale pointed out that it significantly contributes to the abuse and threats faced by shop workers. Additionally, there is a financial toll, as these crimes often lead to increased prices for consumers. He also warned of the impending introduction of new mandated rules that could potentially escalate in-store confrontations, urging for prioritization of crime prevention in the Scottish Government’s Strategic Police Priorities to ensure safer retail environments.
The issue has caught the attention of political entities, with both Labour and Conservative parties including measures to tackle retail crime in their election manifestos, underscoring the need for legislative backing against this growing problem.
The rising trend of shoplifting in Scotland demands immediate and effective intervention from both authorities and political entities.
