Shoplifting levels 'unacceptable', inquiry finds

Published On Nov 4, 2024, 7:39 PM

A recent inquiry by the House of Lords has uncovered that shoplifting in the UK has reached an alarming level, with police recording over 443,000 incidents in March 2024 alone, the highest number in 20 years. The report indicates that actual figures may be closer to 17 million thefts annually, severely impacting businesses and livelihoods. The inquiry calls for immediate police action, better crime reporting systems, increased funding for rehabilitation programs, and stricter online sales regulations for stolen goods. Retailers are feeling the strain, with shoplifting costing the sector nearly £2 billion last year, leading to price hikes that affect consumers. The government plans to address the urgent issues by increasing police presence and establishing a Retail Crime Forum.