Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) has said that new ONS crime statistics showing over half a million shoplifting offences highlight the scale of the retail crime crisis facing high streets across Britain.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that shoplifting offences increased by 5% to 519,381 offences in the year ending September 2025, compared with 492,660 offences in the previous year. The data also revealed a 66% increase in robbery of business property, rising to 22,478 offences.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "More than 500,000 offences reported is still very high, and I still think it is the tip of the iceberg with many more crimes not being reported. Our members tell us what they really want to see is more police on the streets.
"I am pleased to say that in that respect the government seems to be listening and we welcome the commitments to more neighbourhood policing and an increased focus on organised crime. The issue is speed of implementation of these plans so we can see a reduction in these crimes."
The statistics come as independent retailers continue to report daily impacts from retail crime, with many facing repeat offenders and some considering whether they can continue to trade safely on the high street.
Bira has been campaigning for stronger action on retail crime, including increased police presence in retail areas and tougher penalties for repeat offenders. The organisation represents over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that shoplifting offences increased by 5% to 519,381 offences in the year ending September 2025, compared with 492,660 offences in the previous year. The data also revealed a 66% increase in robbery of business property, rising to 22,478 offences.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "More than 500,000 offences reported is still very high, and I still think it is the tip of the iceberg with many more crimes not being reported. Our members tell us what they really want to see is more police on the streets.
"I am pleased to say that in that respect the government seems to be listening and we welcome the commitments to more neighbourhood policing and an increased focus on organised crime. The issue is speed of implementation of these plans so we can see a reduction in these crimes."
The statistics come as independent retailers continue to report daily impacts from retail crime, with many facing repeat offenders and some considering whether they can continue to trade safely on the high street.
Bira has been campaigning for stronger action on retail crime, including increased police presence in retail areas and tougher penalties for repeat offenders. The organisation represents over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK.
