Retail crime is escalating, with independent retailers facing rising theft, abuse, and mounting costs, according to new research from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).
The trade body’s latest retail crime survey, carried out across more than 25 retail sectors, found that 77% of respondents experienced theft in the past 12 months, up from 64% in Bira’s previous survey. Of those affected, almost 90% said theft had worsened compared with the previous year.
One retailer described theft as “a weekly if not daily occurrence”, while another commented: “It’s constant.” Several reported thieves who “laugh at staff while running away”, and one respondent summed up the mood starkly: “We are on our own.” Staff safety is also a growing concern, with reports of employees being threatened or physically manhandled while attempting to protect stock.
More than three-quarters of respondents said thieves were becoming more brazen, while over 75% identified repeat offenders as the primary source of theft. Retailers reported known individuals repeatedly targeting the same stores, groups using distraction tactics, and incidents linked to organised crime and drug dependency.
Abuse towards shop staff is also rising. Over two-thirds of respondents said verbal abuse had increased over the past year, often linked to attempts to challenge shoplifters or disputes over refunds and pricing. Some 7% reported physical abuse, with 45% of those affected saying the situation had worsened during the past 12 months.
The financial impact is substantial. More than 10% of respondents estimated that retail crime costs their business over £10,000 annually, taking into account lost stock, security measures, and staff time.
Many retailers have been forced to change the way they operate. Nearly two-thirds said they had altered how products are displayed or stored, introducing measures such as locked cases, reduced floor stock, and items moved behind counters. More than a third said these changes had negatively affected sales or the customer experience, while over 18% said they had increased staffing levels specifically to deter or manage crime.
Despite the scale of the problem, police response remains a persistent source of frustration. More than 45% of retailers who experienced theft did not report incidents to the police. Among those who did, police attended 67% of cases, but only 35% led to a prosecution.
Cybercrime is also on the rise. One in five respondents reported experiencing it, up from fewer than 15% previously, with retailers highlighting a sharp increase in fraudulent transactions and chargeback abuse.
When asked what would make the greatest difference, 57% called for stronger sentencing, 55% wanted improved police response rates, and 45% said a greater police presence on high streets was needed.
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre said: “These findings confirm what our members tell us every day – retail crime is not a fringe issue; it is a daily reality for independent businesses across Britain.”
He noted that the fact that nearly 90% of retailers affected by theft say it is getting worse, and that many are spending thousands of pounds a year trying to protect themselves, demonstrates the scale of the challenge.
He added: “We need stronger enforcement, clearer sentencing, and a police presence that matches the problem. Independent retailers cannot continue to absorb these costs alone.”
Bira continues to work with industry partners on practical solutions to tackle retail crime across the UK.