With the retail sector facing an escalating crime crisis, pressure is mounting on the government and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action
Retail crime in the UK has reached alarming new heights, with incidents of violence, abuse, and theft escalating at an unprecedented rate, according to the latest annual report from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The Annual Crime Survey, covering the period from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024, highlights a disturbing rise in attacks against retail workers and soaring levels of theft.
The survey, widely regarded as the most reliable measure of retail crime, is based on data from retailers representing over 1.1 million employees and a market turnover exceeding 194 billion. The findings indicate that for the first time, incidents of violence and abuse have surpassed 2,000 per day, a stark increase from 1,300 the previous year and just 455 per day in 2020. These incidents range from racial or sexual abuse to physical assaults and threats involving weapons. Worryingly, the number of weapon-related incidents has more than doubled, reaching 70 per day.
The report also highlights a sharp rise in customer theft, which has surged by over 20 per cent to 2 billion. Combined with the costs of crime prevention, the total financial impact of retail crime now stands at nearly 4.2 billion.
Despite the increasing threat, many retailers continue to express frustration over the lack of an adequate police response. While over a third of businesses rated the police response as fair, good, or excellent, a significant 61 per cent considered it poor or very poor.
Retail Workers Under Threat
BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson warned that retail crime is spiralling out of control, putting millions of workers at risk.
“Retail crime is spiralling out of control. People in retail have been spat on, racially abused, and threatened with machetes. Every day this continues, criminals are getting bolder and more aggressive. We owe it to the three million hardworking people working in retail to bring the epidemic of crime to heel. No one should go to work in fear,” she said.
She stressed that the lack of faith in police attendance has emboldened criminals, making them feel they have free rein to steal, threaten, and assault retail staff. “Retailers are spending more than ever before, but they cannot prevent crime alone. We need the police to respond to and handle every reported incident appropriately. We look forward to seeing crucial legislation to protect retail workers being put in place later this year. Only if the industry, Government and police work together, can we finally see this awful trend reverse,” she added.
Security Industry Responds
The findings have also raised serious concerns within the security sector. Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services at Mitie, described the situation as unacceptable, pointing out that nearly half of retail workers now live in fear for their safety at work.
“This fear of assault or abuse is unacceptable, and it is distressing to see its pervasive impact on security officers who strive to safeguard colleagues and customers within stores,” he said.
According to Towse, security personnel are facing physical harm on a daily basis, with 968 incidents in 2024 resulting in injuries to security staff. The increasing use of weapons in retail assaults has left lasting physical and mental scars on those working to maintain safety in stores.
“The security industry, retailers, and law enforcement must remain united in the shared goal of creating safer retail environments and communities. Technology plays a crucial role in achieving this objective, as evidenced by the valuable footage captured by security officers using body-worn cameras and the formal data-sharing agreements established between retailers and the police. These tools and strategies are essential for apprehending offenders and ensuring that they face appropriate legal consequences,” he stated.
Towse expressed optimism that advancements in technology and better enforcement strategies would help address the crisis. He welcomed new legislation designed to protect retail workers but emphasised that this is just the beginning of a broader effort to combat crime.
“By harnessing advanced technology and implementing efficient processes, there is an opportunity to combat retail crime effectively. The recent introduction of new legislation aimed at protecting retail workers is just the starting point in this mission. I know that the security industry is dedicated to collaborating with retailers and law enforcement agencies to address crime, improve troubling statistics, and, most importantly, guarantee that our security and retail staff are not only respected but also provided with a secure work environment and access to the necessary justice,” he added.
Call For Urgent Action
With the retail sector facing an escalating crime crisis, pressure is mounting on the government and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action. Retailers and security professionals alike are calling for stronger enforcement, better police response, and continued investment in crime prevention technology.
As incidents continue to rise, industry leaders stress that ensuring the safety of retail workers is not just a business priority but a national imperative. Without urgent intervention, the retail crime epidemic is expected to worsen, putting more workers, customers, and businesses at risk.