Shoplifting in Scotland has seen a year-on-year increase of 18% in 2024, rising to 43,556 crimes, up from 36,815 in 2023, according to Recorded Crime in Scotland 2023-24: year ending December 2024 statistics.
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) was dismayed by the findings, but highlighted that the true figure was in fact much higher.
SRC Deputy Head, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, said:
“Despite record investment by retailers in crime prevention the seemingly endless rise in shop thefts continues. There were over 43,000 incidents of shoplifting last year, a spike of 18%, which is more than 100 thefts a day.
“It’s worth noting even this appalling picture is merely the tip of the iceberg. As outlined in our recent Crime Survey retailers often don’t report low-level shoplifting as they don’t believe there is any likelihood of the criminals facing justice.
“Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime. Thefts are often the main factor behind abuse and threats towards shop workers. Our members are clear the lack of deterrence means thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive. The financial cost is significant and is ultimately paid by customers through higher prices and less convenient shopping.
“The Scottish Government has taken positive steps in recent times to respond to this crime wave through supporting the Protection of Workers Act, and recently committing £3 million this year specifically to combat retail crime. Retailers will hope to see this investment start to turn the tide in the coming months, and hopefully be sustained over the years ahead.”
