Police and Crime Commissioner condemns rise in shoplifting

Shoplifting in the UK is at its highest levels for 20 years according to the Office of National Statistics.

The figures show that during the period March 2023 to March 2024 there were 443,995 recorded incidents of shoplifting in England and Wales.

This is a 30 per cent increase on the previous year and the highest since comparable records began in 2003.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jane Mudd, said: “People see shoplifting as a victimless crime but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“It puts the livelihoods of smaller and independent businesses at risk, damaging the future of our high streets. Even more worrying is the rise in violence and abuse towards shopworkers that we are now seeing. This often leaves victims too traumatised to work, make a living and provide for their families.

“The UK Government recently announced that it will implement measures to protect our shop workers and deal with shoplifting. These were also key commitments in my manifesto prior to election and I look forward to working with the new UK Government, and the government here in Wales, closely to deliver on these commitments for our residents.”