According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the number of shoplifting incidents and associated losses in the UK reached an all-time high in the 2023-2024 financial year.
A press release published on Thursday states that over 20 million thefts were recorded, equating to more than 55,000 incidents daily. This surge in crime resulted in losses for retailers amounting to £2.2 billion, an increase of £400 million compared to the previous year. To address the situation, retailers allocated a record £1.8 billion for the installation of surveillance cameras, anti-theft equipment, and an increase in security personnel.
The report also highlights a rise in incidents of violence against store employees. The number of cases involving physical and sexual assault, weapon threats, and racial abuse has reached 2,000 incidents per day, which is three times higher than in 2020.
In response to this trend, the Co-op supermarket chain has started using artificial intelligence technology to combat theft and attacks on staff across its 2,400 stores nationwide.
