Retail Crime is Rising, Here’s What Businesses Can Do

Retail crime isn’t just a big city problem anymore. Across the UK, small businesses are facing a growing wave of shoplifting, threats, and abuse, and it’s putting staff safety, stock, and profits at risk.

According to the ONS, shoplifting in England and Wales rose by 22% in the year ending December 2024, with over 342,000 offences recorded (ONS, 2025).

Behind these statistics are real shopkeepers and teams bearing the brunt of crime that’s often underreported, underestimated, and under-prosecuted.

The government has acknowledged the scale of the problem. Its new Retail Crime Factsheet (2025) commits to tougher sentencing for repeat shoplifters, a legal duty for large retailers to tackle violence against shop staff, and funding to improve business crime reporting tools. But while policy catches up, small retailers need practical support now.

How Crimestoppers Can Help

If you witness or suspect a retail crime, you can report it 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers, 24/7, 365 days a year, over the phone or securely online:

🔗 Give information anonymously

Crimestoppers is an independent charity that empowers people to speak up anonymously about crime, helping to keep communities safe. As they explain:

“We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe from crime. Whoever you are, wherever you live…”

Their mission is clear:

“We’re an independent charity that gives you the power to speak up and stop crime, 100% anonymously. We don’t judge. We just listen to what you know, and pass it on for you.”

Crimestoppers also provides community updates and public safety campaigns to support retailers and the general public. Recent campaigns include:

• Tackling rising shoplifting in Northampton (July 2025)
• Responding to a national surge in theft and retail crime (June 2025)

The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), helps reinforce best practice for store owners, including:

• Anti-violence campaigns like ShopKind
• Knife guidance for frontline retail staff NBCC Guidance
• Tips on avoiding counterfeit currency

Retail Crime Prevention: Ten Principles

Prevention still matters. Cheshire Police, in collaboration with business support units, has outlined 10 Principles of Crime Prevention, including:

1. Target hardening (e.g., better locks, security shutters)
2. Access control (limiting who can enter staff areas)
3. Surveillance (CCTV, visibility of entrances)
4. Environmental design (lighting, layout)
5. Rule setting (clear policies on staff response)
6. Increase effort (more checks to commit crime)
7. Increase risk (better detection)
8. Reduce rewards (store layout, dummy stock)
9. Remove excuses (clear signage, zero-tolerance)
10. Community cohesion (reporting, sharing intel)

Insurance: A Last Line of Defence

While prevention is key, insurance can help pick up the pieces when things go wrong. If you’re a shop owner, consider reviewing whether your policy covers:

• Theft or attempted theft
• Vandalism or malicious damage
• Business interruption following a crime
• Loss of cash (in transit or on premises)
• Liability cover in case of staff or customer injury during a criminal incident

Insurance doesn’t just help with recovery, it can offer peace of mind. Brokers, like FSB Insurance Service supporting FSB members, can provide tailored cover.

Final Word: Don’t Face It Alone

Retail crime can leave business owners feeling isolated or helpless. But you’re not alone. From anonymous reporting with Crimestoppers to practical police guidance and robust insurance options, there is support out there.

And remember, if you’re an FSB member, you may be eligible for access to specialist insurance brokers who understand retail risk.

You can anonymously report retail crime to Crimestoppers at any time, securely and without revealing your identity:

• 📞 Phone: Call 0800 555 111 it’s a free 24/7 UK helpline. If you’re concerned about caller ID, dial 141 before the number (prepending 141 will block your number from the recipient).
• 💻 Online: Fill in their anonymous online form no personal details are required; they only need what you know about the crime or criminals.

Ready to see how insurance can help mitigate the risks of retail crime? Call 020 3883 7976 to speak to a broker who knows your sector.

This content is for general information only and is not intended to provide advice or a personal recommendation. Insurance cover is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy. Always consider your individual circumstances and seek professional advice before arranging insurance. External websites are not under our control and we are not responsible for their content.