BRC Responds to Government Pledge on Shoplifting

Responding to the Government pledging £7 million to tackle shoplifting, Tom Ironside, Director of Business and Regulation at the BRC, said:

“We welcome Government funding aimed at cracking down on shoplifting and organised crime. Retail theft remains a major issue and is often linked to criminal gang activity. It not only harms businesses, but pushes up the cost of goods for honest shoppers. Tackling this effectively will require sustained prioritisation from police and Government, as well as close co-ordination with retailers. We look forward to seeing more details on the funding, and to working with the Home Office to deliver real progress in tackling theft.” 

Responding to ONS data, that shows shoplifting offences rose by 5% (to 519,381) in the year ending September 2025, Lucy Whing, Crime Policy Adviser at the BRC, said:

“Retail theft is a serious issue for retailers across the country. While the causes are manifold, the rise in organised crime is particularly concerning, with gangs systematically targeting one store after another. Theft is also one of the main triggers for violence and abuse against retail workers. Government, police and retailers are committed to working together to turn the tide on crime. We will soon see the implementation of the Crime and Policing Bill, which will remove the £200 threshold for ‘low level’ theft, sending a clear signal that shoplifting will not be tolerated. It will also introduce a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker, strengthening sentencing and improving the visibility of violence against retail workers so that police can allocate the necessary resources to tackle this challenge and protect our high streets and colleagues.”

Source : BRC

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