Shoplifting falls in 2026

The latest ONS summary of crime in England and Wales during the year to March 2026 has showed that shoplifting edged down from a total of 530,324 offences last year to 507,086. The ONS said in a statement that reported rates for shoplifting are “known to be very low” and that police are “actively encouraging” the reporting of all incidents as well as supporting evidence. This comes as crime against individuals and households has generally decreased in the past decade, except for fraud. In the last year there were 9.6 million incidents of CSEW headline crime (including theft, robbery, criminal damage, fraud, computer misuse and violence with or without injury). 2.6 million theft incidents were also recorded in the past year, flat on the previous year’s survey. Advertisement BRC crime policy adviser Lucy Whing said shoplifting remains a challenge for the retail sector and that there is “still much to be done” despite the improvements. “While today’s figures give a welcome indication of progress, the baseline challenge facing retailers across the country remains vast, and the pace of change is far too slow,” said Whing. “Shop theft is not a victimless crime – it drives up prices for consumers everywhere and makes the workplace less safe for colleagues. “The retail industry, in partnership with authorities, has made significant progress, with the new standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker, as well as the removal of the £200 threshold for ‘low-level’ theft. There is also more intelligence-sharing, targeted action against prolific offenders, and greater collaboration across the industry. But there is still much to be done, and it will be crucial that the new legislation is effectively enforced, with retailers and authorities continuing to work together so that this progress can continue.” Have your say or a new account to join the discussion.