New figures from Scottish Government show that between 2024-25 and 2025-26 recorded crimes of shoplifting increased by 19% from 44,730 to 53,369. Common assaults of retail workers had also risen, up 10% from 2,870 to 3,162, according to Recorded Crime in Scotland data.
The statistics show that reports of shoplifting in Scotland have increased for five consecutive years and are now at the highest level since 1971. However, it is worth noting that part of the increase may be down to an increase in retailers reporting crime.
Dr Pete Cheema OBE, Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) Chief Executive, said: “SGF fought hard to secure the funding for the Scottish Retail Crime Taskforce, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to replicate that funding for at least the next three years.
“There is no doubt the Taskforce has made good progress, and new initiatives have helped improve reporting and communication with local retailers as well. But the reality for many local shops is that they are being devastated by a tsunami of crime hitting Scottish communities.
“It is not only a few items going missing each day, organised groups are also carrying out violent raids behind the counter and repeat offenders are clearing whole shelves in the belief that there’ll be no consequences for their actions.
“That is why the police Taskforce must be just the first step, and we also need to see meaningful changes to the Scottish Justice system, clearing the backlog in the courts and ensuring that criminals are swiftly brought to justice.”
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), also highlighted the need for further action to be taken.
SRC Deputy Head Ewan MacDonald-Russell said:
“The spiralling increase of violence and shop theft is causing misery for Scottish shopkeepers and customers. More than eight times a day Scottish shopworkers are being assaulted, with at least one of those attacks causing injury. Despite hundreds of millions of pounds on investment in security from retailers this unacceptable behaviour continues and must be tackled.
“Shop theft continues to be an epidemic with hundreds of incidents a day. 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. We estimate the cost of shop theft was £50 million in Scotland last year – an enormous burden. That cost is paid for through higher prices and a worse shopping experience which undermines the health and vitality of our high streets.
“These figures highlight the scale of criminality affecting Scotland’s shops. However, it’s worth noting some of the increase is a consequence of the increased police response following the creation of the Retail Crime Taskforce. Retailers are starting to increase reporting in the hope Police Scotland will be able to respond more effectively than in the past. So while this rise may not mark an increase in crime rather just in the reporting of crime, that doesn’t obviate the need for more action.
“However, even these elevated figures are unlikely to capture the full picture of retail crime. Our most recent crime report found there were 590,000 incidents of assault and 5,451,000 incidents of theft from stores across the UK last year. 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.”
The SGF’s annual Crime Report estimates that the cost of shop theft alone is costing its members an average of £10,431 per store per year. While 99.6% of retailers report that shoplifting is now a daily occurrence.
