Theft remains huge concern for retailers – BRC responds to ONS crime data

Responding to ONS data, that shows shoplifting offences rose by 5% (to 519,381) in the year ending September 2025, Lucy Whing, Crime Policy Adviser at the BRC, said:

“Retail theft is a serious issue for retailers across the country. While the causes are manifold, the rise in organised crime is particularly concerning, with gangs systematically targeting one store after another. Theft is also one of the main triggers for violence and abuse against retail workers. Government, police and retailers are committed to working together to turn the tide on crime. We will soon see the implementation of the Crime and Policing Bill, which will remove the £200 threshold for ‘low level' theft, sending a clear signal that shoplifting will not be tolerated. It will also introduce a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker, strengthening sentencing and improving the visibility of violence against retail workers so that police can allocate the necessary resources to tackle this challenge and protect our high streets and colleagues.”