Independent retailers across the UK are continuing to face stubborn levels of retail crime, according to the latest survey conducted by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).
The Association’s bi-annual survey, conducted to map out levels of retail crime affecting independent businesses, was completed earlier this month.
It collected responses from independent retailers across various sectors, to include gifting, providing a comprehensive picture of the current retail crime landscape.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 80.26% of retailers have experienced theft in the past 12 months, an increase from 72.34% in the previous survey (October 2024)
- 90.16% of these incidents occurred during opening hours
- 39.76% of retailers experienced verbal abuse, with 58% noting it has increased compared to the previous year
- Physical abuse incidents have decreased, with 3.7% of retailers experiencing such incidents (down from 10.7%)
- 15% of respondents experienced cybercrime incidents (up slightly from 14.29%)
- Only 6.7% of reported thefts led to prosecution, with half of all reported cases seeing no police attendance
- 50.82% of retailers chose not to report theft incidents, up from 47.8% in the previous survey. Conversely, reporting has improved for other incidents: verbal abuse (20.6% now report, up from 11%), physical abuse (30.77%, up from 22.8%), and cybercrime (71.4%, up from 23.81%.
The human impact is evident in retailers’ comments. One described aggressive confrontations: “Verbal challenges at the till for reasons unrelated to product or services. Known criminals in the area shouting bad language.” Others expressed frustration with police response: “Why bother. They don’t turn up for full scale burglaries so aren’t likely to turn up for a spot of verbal abuse.”
The types of theft range from opportunistic to organised. One retailer explained: “Recently had two men in who stole £700 hand tools in approximately three minutes when staff were distracted.”
The survey also revealed shifts in targeted goods, with one retailer noting: “It used to be that specific items would be stolen to order but now it’s anything that can be sold on.”
Andrew Goodacre, ceo of Bira, commented: “The results of our latest crime survey are deeply troubling. We’re seeing a sustained increase in criminal activity, coupled with reduced police response. Our members are caught in the crossfire, and it’s clear that current measures are failing to protect them.”
The survey also highlighted a disturbing trend of stolen goods appearing for resale, with 22% of retailers who experienced theft spotting their merchandise being resold online or at local markets.
Despite the recent announcement from the Prime Minister about plans to increase police presence on high streets, and the February 2025 Crime and Policing Bill, which Bira cautiously welcomed at the time, retailers continue to report significant issues. The bill included stricter penalties for shoplifting of items under £200 and making it a specific offence to assault a shop worker.
Andrew added: “The national retail crime action plan was launched in September 2023 and it is hard to see much difference at shop level. However, we are hearing mixed feedback about the buy-in from individual police forces. We have a national problem that merits a national, co-ordinated response.”
Bira will be presenting its findings to the Home Office and police forces across the UK, advocating for improved police response rates, stronger sentencing, better use of community banning orders for repeat offenders, and increased funding for rehabilitation programmes.
Top: Retail crime is on the up reveals the latest Bira crime survey.
