There was a 21% increase in shoplifting in Scotland in the 12 months to June, according to the latest police recorded crime statistics.
The police data follows reports from the Scottish Retail Consortium, Association of Convenience Stores, Co-op, and many other retailers of significant increases in theft from shops.
Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland, said: “This 21% increase in shoplifting is very concerning for our members in retail. Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, theft from shops has long been a major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shopworkers. Having to deal with repeated and persistent shoplifters can cause issues beyond the theft itself like anxiety, fear, and in some cases physical harm to retail workers.”
She added: “Faced with such appallingly high levels of violence and abuse much more needs to be done. There must be better coordination to ensure that government, retail employers, police, and the courts work together to help protect shopworkers, giving them the respect they deserve.”
The overall number of crimes recorded by officers for the year ending June 2023 was 4% lower than pre-pandemic levels in June 2019, according to the latest Recorded Crime in Scotland National Statistics.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “These continued low levels of crime are due to the efforts across policing, justice and community safety partners to deliver safer communities and our investment in the justice system. With recorded crime remaining at one of the lowest levels seen since 1974, the latest figures show reductions in crimes such as violence, sexual crimes and damage and reckless behaviour.
“We will continue to focus on crime prevention, reducing reoffending and supporting victims of crime. That is why we are investing £1.45bn in policing in 2023-24, increasing the resource budget by 6.3%, an additional £80m, despite difficult financial circumstances due to UK Government austerity and our fixed budget.”
