Shoplifting offenses are on the rise across England and Wales, reaching a 20-year high, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Police recorded over 400,000 incidents in 2023 up to September, marking a 32-percent increase from the previous year.
Retailers in England and Wales are grappling with a significant surge in shoplifting, prompting the government to unveil a Retail Crime Action Plan in October to address the issue. The plan outlines how the National Police Chiefs Council intends to respond to and investigate thefts against retail businesses.
