Responding to the latest Recorded Crime in Scotland figures, which show shoplifting increased by 20% over the year to June 2026, and almost doubling over the past three years, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“Thieving from stores has skyrocketed in recent years with over a thousand incidents a week being recorded by police. This is despite record spending by shopkeepers on crime prevention.
“These figures highlight the sheer scale of criminality affecting Scotland's shops. However, some of the increase of late will be as a consequence of the new shoplifting reporting tool and improved response to incidents from the police following the creation last year of Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce. This doesn't obviate the need for more action, especially as thefts are a key factor behind rising levels of abuse and threats towards store workers. The financial cost of crime against retailers also pushes up prices for shoppers and undermines the health and vitality of our high streets.
“To stem and reverse the rise in thefts, abuse, and anti-social behaviour government funding for the Retail Crime Taskforce should be enhanced to extend the Taskforce’s reach and number of hotspots targeted.”
