Met data shows that shoplifting offences in London have increased
by approximately 37 per cent in the last five months, from 6,900
in February, to 9,483 in July.[1]
The Met also stated that new data had revealed a small number of
prolific offenders are responsible for a significant proportion
of shoplifting offences across London[2], with
104 prolific shoplifters linked to 4,389 offences over the last
two financial years. However, it took a minimum of 31 offences
before each of the offenders were given a custodial sentence.
Social media is also playing a significant role in retail crime.
In April, The Guardian reported that the Met responded to reports
of antisocial behaviour involving a group of several hundred
young people in Clapham High Street, south London, as part of
link-ups using social media apps, including TikTok and
Snapchat[3]
Tomorrow, the London Assembly
Police and Crime Committee will question the Deputy
Mayor for Policing and Crime on the work being done to tackle
shoplifting and retail crime in London.
The Committee will also ask questions
on the policing of Notting Hill Carnival and specialist police
roles.
Guests include:
-
Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing
and Crime
-
Kenny Bowie, Director of Strategy & MPS
Oversight, Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)
The meeting will take place in Committee Rooms 2&3
at City Hall on Wednesday 23 September
2026 at 10am.
