30 January 2026
Bira 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.
Mr Goodacre said the research's finding that improving shopping precincts ranked behind only healthcare and reducing crime demonstrated the political stakes of the government's approach. The CEO also noted that the Guardian analysis, which shows 8,000 fewer retail outlets since 2019, underlined the scale of the crisis facing high streets.
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.
S01 | Ep06: Inside the Minds of Shop Thieves
Step inside the mind of shop thieves as leading criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor and Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre reveal the psychology driving retail crime.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
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