Latest figures from ScotGov display eye-watering level of crime across retail
SHOPLIFTING offences across Scotland rose by 18% in the year ending December 2024, according to the new Recorded Crime in Scotland report published by the Scottish Government.
Compared to figures from the previous year, incidents of shoplifting increased by 18% – rising up from 36,815 to 43,556 reported crimes. There was also a staggering increase of 89% in shoplifting incidents from 2020, when the number sat at 23,046.
It is also likely that the true number of incidents is higher than what ScotGov has found as well, as ScotGov’s report only covers off the number of reported crimes in the year.
Responding to the publication, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Despite record investment by retailers in crime prevention the seemingly endless rise in shop thefts continues.
“There were over 43,000 incidents of shoplifting last year, a spike of 18%, which is more than 100 thefts a day.
“It’s worth noting even this appalling picture is merely the tip of the iceberg. As outlined in our recent Crime Survey retailers often don’t report low-level shoplifting as they don’t believe there is any likelihood of the criminals facing justice. Â
“Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime. Thefts are often the main factor behind abuse and threats towards shop workers. Our Members are clear the lack of deterrence means thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive.
“The financial cost is significant and is ultimately paid by customers through higher prices and less convenient shopping.
“The Scottish Government has taken positive steps in recent times to respond to this crime wave through supporting the Protection of Workers Act, and recently committing £3 million this year specifically to combat retail crime.
“Retailers will hope to see this investment start to turn the tide in the coming months, and hopefully be sustained over the years ahead.”
