The Scottish Grocers’ Federation is calling for long-term support for Police Scotland to tackle retail crime after the latest Scottish Government figures show a deluge of shop theft devastating local businesses and risking the safety of retail workers.
According to Scottish Government statistics published on Tuesday (26th Aug), reported shoplifting increased by 17% compared to the previous year (from 40,554 to 47,381 crimes), and increased by 124% from the year ending June 2021 (from 21,136 to 47,381 crimes).
The Scottish Government committed £3 million extra for Police Scotland to tackle retail crime in the 2025/26 budget, but that funding has not yet been renewed beyond the end of the financial year.
Luke McGarty, SGF head of policy & public affairs said: “Across every metric, retail crime, including organised crime is on the rise. The impact on staff, businesses and communities can be overwhelming and many cannot afford to wait for support any longer.
“Shop staff who provide an essential local service are facing abuse and violence every day, and businesses are forking out thousands of pounds for extra security and in lost goods. That is completely unacceptable.
“SGF very much welcomes the extra funding last year, and we have been working closely with Police Scotland to support the new taskforce on retail crime. Progress is being made, but at the very least that funding must be renewed in the budget this autumn. Before the situation gets even worse.”
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation’s annual Crime Report 2024/2025 shows that the average cost of shop theft and vandalism has increased to £19,673 per store (up 38% from the previous year), accounting for an annual total cost of approximately £102.7 million which is crippling the sector.
The trade association for Scottish convenience stores recently published its manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, highlighting that the official figures only show reported crime which may not reflect the full impact of retail crime on local shops and staff. Crime is number one on the SGF’s election agenda, as the most significant challenge facing the convenience sector in Scotland today.
