Shoplifting offences in England and Wales have reached an all-time high, with 516,971 recorded cases in 2024—a staggering 20% increase from the 429,873 cases reported in 2023.
According to the Office for National Statistics, this figure represents the highest level of shoplifting since Police began recording such data in 2003. Yet, many retailers argue these numbers severely underestimate the scale of the problem.
The financial and operational impact on retailers is profound. The trade body estimates shoplifting costs the industry over £2.2 billion annually, with businesses spending an additional £1.8 million on anti-crime measures.
The repercussions extend beyond financial losses, with two-thirds of respondents in the retail trade union Usdaw’s annual survey citing theft or armed robbery as triggers for violence, threats, or verbal abuse against staff.
While the government has pledged to deploy 13,000 extra police officers by 2029, with a focus on city-centre safety, many businesses recognise that they cannot rely solely on law enforcement. The need for robust, proactive measures to combat retail theft has never been greater.
With nearly two decades of experience supporting retailers in operational compliance, Serve Legal has expanded its service offering to address broader business concerns. Recognising the urgent need for retail safety and revenue protection strategies, Serve Legal offers Revenue Protection Audits designed to ensure staff adherence to company policies and safeguard against theft and operational vulnerabilities.
Beyond these core programmes, Serve Legal offers bespoke audit services tailored to specific retail needs.
One service which has been growing in demand is our fuel compliance audits. These assessments help retailers ensure the responsible and legal sale of fuel while reducing exposure to theft, revenue loss, and safety concerns.
Having worked with some of the UK’s largest retailers, Serve Legal brings unparalleled expertise to help businesses navigate the evolving challenges of the retail industry. By leveraging independent audits, companies can gain actionable insights into operational weaknesses, identify trends, and address issues contributing to lost revenue and heightened risk.
As the retail sector grapples with increasing shoplifting rates and operational threats, investing in staff training, customer safety, and rigorous compliance measures is crucial. Independent audits not only help businesses safeguard against theft but also reinforce a commitment to service standards and operational excellence.
For more information on how Serve Legal can support your business during this challenging time, contact our team today. Get in touch!