Shops across the UK are reporting a rise in retail theft. According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), over 500,000 incidents were reported in 2025 – 2026, a rise in 5% compared to the previous year.
In this post we will outline some of the underlying causes of this rise in retail theft, before exploring some ways you can help to prevent theft in your store.
Underlying Causes of Retail Theft Rising
There are a number of factors which affect crime rates, particularly theft. In 2026, we are seeing the following contributory factors:
- Cost of living crisis
- Organised crime
- Staffing issues
- Rise in self-checkouts
We’ll explore each of these individually below to find out more about the causes and how it may impact target items.
The Ongoing Cost of Living Crisis
The UK has been struggling with high inflation rates for a number of years, which greatly increased the cost of living for millions.
Rising food costs may have contributed to the increase in shoplifting. Baby formula is one of the most commonly stolen items in the UK, and this is likely because it is both essential and expensive.
Organised Crime
Some retail bodies claim that organised crime is driving a rise in retail theft.
Some of this may be relatively small scale, such as the thieves who steal premium cuts of meat to sell to pubs and other establishments. But some retailers have fallen victim to larger gangs that have targeted multiple stores in succession.
Even worse, this form of theft seems to be linked with rising incidents of violence and abuse against frontline retail staff.
Staffing Issues
Rising costs have forced many stores to cut staff hours, and the UK workforce as a whole has shrunk in recent years.
Fewer staff on the shop floor means that there are fewer people to look out for the signs of shoplifting, and more blind spots for thieves to operate in.
The Rise of Self-Checkouts
Many stores have started offering self-checkout services, partially as a way of managing costs, and partially as a way of offering a more streamlined experience to customers.
Some self-checkout areas feature systems designed to prevent theft, such as security cameras, and gates that will only open if the customer scans a code they receive after purchase. But nonetheless, the perceived lack of security around self-checkout areas may be fueling a rise in shoplifting.
Some customers find self-checkout systems confusing, which may mean they unintentionally take some items without paying. And while they may not be shoplifting in the strictest sense, this will still lead to losses for the store.
The Impact of Retail Theft on Stores
- Loss of profits – This is the most obvious impact of retail theft. Shoplifting costs the sector an estimated £2.2 billion a year.
- Rising costs – Shops may be forced to invest in added security measures to combat shoplifting, and some may raise their prices to offset their losses. These costs are passed on directly to customers. According to one report, shoplifting adds £133 a year to the cost of an average UK household’s shopping bill.
- Staff safety and wellbeing – As we mentioned above, many retail staff are facing an increased threat of violence and abuse from criminals. Beyond this, widespread theft can lead to stress, anxiety, and low morale.
How To Reduce Theft in Your Store
We have a number of guides on our site to help you address retail theft in your store:
- How to stop shoplifters and prevent theft
- How to reduce theft during busy periods
- Securing high-theft items in retail
- What to include in your shoplifting policies and procedures
It is also important to address the risks of employee theft in your store. Read our full guide to understanding and preventing employee retail theft.
Get The Right Cover For Your Retail Store
A specialist retail insurance policy can cover your store for many of the losses you may experience as a result of theft and other incidents, subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with an experienced team of insurance professionals who care about protecting your store.