ScotGov data reports a 15% increase in store theft
THEFTS across retail destinations increased in the year to December 2025, according to new data from the Scottish Government.
According to the latest Recored Crime in Scotland report, shoplifting increased by 15% compared to the same time period in 2024. This represented an increase from 43,556 reported incidents up to 50,300 crimes in the country.
This also means that, since the year ending December 2021, recorded incidents of shoplifting have increased by an eye-watering 137% by the end of 2025.
Responding to the latest publication from the Scottish Government, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head at the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Shop theft continues to be a blight on our communities. Thieving from stores isn’t a victimless crime. It’s a key factor behind rising levels of abuse and threats towards shop workers and we know from member feedback that thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive.
“The financial cost is immense. Our most recent crime report found the total cost of retail crime across the UK last year was £985 million. That cost is paid for through higher prices, a worse shopping experience, and undermines the health and vitality of our high streets.”
It is also worth noting that the Scottish Government data only deals with reported incidents of shoplifting across retail, so it is likely the real number is much higher than what is stated in the report.
MacDonald-Russell also echoed that the reported figures don’t reflect the reality of shoplifting in Scotland, as evidenced by the British Retail Consortium’s own report on the matter.
He said: “Whilst the rise in recorded crime is disappointing, it’s likely some of this is a consequence of the increased police response following the creation of the Retail Crime Taskforce.
“However, even these elevated figures are unlikely to capture the full picture of shop theft. Our crime report found there were 5,451,000 incidents of theft from stores across the UK.
“That reaffirms the need for the Retail Crime Taskforce funding be sustained and enhanced and for the courts to play their part if we are to truly turn the tide on thieving and crime against retailers.”
