Bira appears on the BBC to report on retailers buying stolen goods from professional shoplifters

Retail groups across the UK have raised concerns over a worrying trend of shops buying stolen goods from professional shoplifters. These thieves, often operating under the direction of organised criminal gangs, are stealing items to order, with the proceeds frequently used to fund addiction problems.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has reported a significant rise in “high volume” and “very brazen and direct” shoplifting incidents, with products such as meat, cheese, and alcohol being the most commonly targeted. Once stolen, these goods are often resold locally or through online platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO, told the BBC that criminal gangs are increasingly involved in coordinating these shoplifting operations, improving their efficiency in both theft and the disposal of stolen goods. He also noted an increase in cases where other shops are purchasing these stolen items.

In one incident in Truro, Cornwall, Martin Gaunt, the owner of Happy Piranha, a quirky gift shop, recounted following a thief who had stolen from his shop and witnessing the stolen goods being sold to another trader. This incident highlights the growing problem that is affecting a wide range of retail sectors.

“While meat and cheese have long been common targets, our members are now reporting thefts across a much broader range of products, including pet food, cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, and even kettles,” Goodacre explained. 

Bira CEO, Andrew Goodacre said, "80% of Bira’s members have reported thefts in the past year, a significant increase from just a few years ago. A cheap kettle, for instance, can be quickly sold on Facebook Marketplace", he added

According to the ACS, its members reported 5.6 million incidents of shop theft over the past year, with half of the offenders being repeat criminals. In response, convenience stores have invested £339 million in crime prevention measures, such as CCTV, alarms, and tagging.

The scale of the problem was further highlighted by a former prolific shoplifter, Ross, 39, who told the BBC that he had stolen goods worth “tens of thousands” of pounds, which he would then sell to other shops. Ross, who has 15 convictions for shoplifting, admitted to stealing goods worth £300 daily to fund his crack cocaine and heroin addiction. He also revealed that he had stolen items to order for a middleman who would then resell them.

This rise in organised shoplifting and the involvement of legitimate businesses in purchasing stolen goods presents a significant challenge for UK retailers and law enforcement, as the problem continues to escalate.

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