The latest crime figures show a small reduction in recorded shoplifting, but violence, repeat offending and under-reporting remain serious concerns.
Police recorded 507,086 shoplifting offences in England and Wales during the year ending March 2026, a reduction of 4% from the previous year.
That movement is welcome, but it should be interpreted carefully. The Office for National Statistics notes that shoplifting remains under-reported and that changes in police engagement, retailer reporting and crime-recording practices can affect the figures.
Retailers, hospitality operators and security providers cannot assume that the threat has passed.
Theft can quickly become violence
The same figures recorded 29,669 robberies of business property, representing a 91% increase. The ONS explains that much of this rise resulted from clarified recording rules: where a person steals from retail premises and uses or threatens violence against a worker, security officer or another person, the incident should be recorded as robbery rather than shoplifting.
This distinction matters.
An incident may begin as suspected theft but escalate when a staff member challenges the individual or attempts to prevent their escape. Security procedures must therefore prioritise personal safety, proportionate intervention and early communication.
No item of stock is worth an employee or officer being seriously injured.
Evidence supports a wider response
Good security is not measured only by the number of people detained.
Accurate incident reports, preserved CCTV, body-worn video where lawfully deployed, descriptions, vehicle details and timely reporting can help identify patterns and link repeat offenders across several locations.
Businesses should ensure that employees understand:
- When and how to report an incident
- What information the police require
- How CCTV footage will be retained and disclosed
- When staff should withdraw rather than intervene
- How to preserve evidence
- How violence, threats and near misses are escalated
- What welfare support is available following an incident
Every unreported event represents intelligence that may be lost.
Security arrangements must be risk-led
A visible officer can provide reassurance and deterrence, but deployment must be supported by clear instructions, reliable communications and appropriate training.
Businesses should review peak offending periods, vulnerable product areas, entrances, exits, car parks and any recurring methods used by offenders.
Technology and physical security measures can then support personnel rather than operating in isolation.
Protecting people as well as property
Retail crime affects far more than stock loss. It can create fear, increase staff turnover and leave employees anxious about attending work.
Radius Security believes the response must place employee and public safety at its centre.
The latest figures may suggest the beginning of improvement, but more than half a million recorded shoplifting offences demonstrate the scale of the challenge.
Businesses must remain vigilant, report consistently and ensure that the people expected to respond are properly trained and supported. Get a free retail security assessment from Radius Security.
