Retail crime in the UK has reached unprecedented levels, with incidents of theft and violence against shop staff surging in the past year.
In response, the government has introduced new legislation aimed at curbing the growing crisis.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Retail theft and violence reach record highs
According to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) 2025 Crime Survey, the total cost of retail crime, including prevention measures, rose to £4.2bn in 2023/24, up from £3.3bn the previous year. Customer theft alone accounted for £2.2bn of these losses.
The survey also reported over 20 million incidents of theft during the same period.
Violence and abuse towards retail workers have escalated dramatically, with more than 2,000 incidents occurring daily—an increase of over 50% from the previous year.
Notably, 70 of these daily incidents involved a weapon, more than double the previous year’s figure.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataGovernment introduces crime and policing bill
In response to the escalating retail crime crisis, the UK government has introduced the Crime and Policing Bill 2025.
Key measures include the creation of a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker, carrying a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
Upon first conviction, courts are expected to impose a Criminal Behaviour Order, potentially barring offenders from specific premises.
The bill also repeals Section 22A of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, which previously allowed shoplifting of goods valued under £200 to be treated as a summary offence.
This change ensures that all shop thefts are treated with the seriousness they deserve, with potential custodial sentences of up to seven years.
Retailers seek effective enforcement
Retail industry bodies, including the BRC, have welcomed the proposed legislation but stress the need for effective implementation and enforcement.
They advocate for increased police presence and better support for retail workers to combat the growing threat of retail crime.
As retail crime continues to impact businesses and communities across the UK, the effectiveness of these legislative measures will be closely monitored in the coming months.
