Gangs ‘targeting one store after another’ as shoplifting rises 5%

Shoplifting increased to 519,381 incidents, in the year ending September 2025, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The number of offences rose 5% from 492,660 the year prior, said the ONS figures.
British Retail Consortium (BRC) crime policy adviser Lucy Whing said: “Retail theft is a serious issue for retailers across the country.
“While the causes are manifold, the rise in organised crime is particularly concerning, with gangs systematic