BRC responds to latest ONS crime stats

Responding to ONS stats, that show shoplifting offences declined by 1% (to 509,566) in the year ending December 2025, Lucy Whing, Crime Policy Adviser at the BRC, said:

“Retail theft is a significant challenge for retailers, with our own figures showing 5.5m detected incidents of theft last year. While ONS figures likely underestimate the issue, as it only captures reported incidents, it aligns with our own data showing high levels of shoplifting in recent years. The causes are manifold, but the rise in organised crime is particular worrying as gangs systematically target one store after another across the country. 
 
“Retail theft also contributes to rising levels of violence and abuse against staff, with 1,600 incidents every day. Fortunately, there are some signs of progress, with the government and the police taking steps to address retail crime through the Crime and Policing Bill which will soon receive Royal Assent. The proposed legislation will abolish the £200 threshold for so-called “low-level” theft, reinforcing that all shoplifting is unacceptable. It will also create a specific offence for assaulting retail workers, leading to tougher sentences and better recognition of the issue, enabling police to allocate appropriate resources. It is vital that the Police make full use of this new legislation so we can bring these numbers down once and for all.”