23 October 2025
Bira has said the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing a 13% increase in shoplifting offences to 529,994 incidents confirm the retail crime crisis that independent retailers across Britain have been experiencing daily.
Bira said the investment in local communities would help its members take pride in their shops and high streets, following years of calling for more targeted investment based on local needs.
Whilst overall theft offences recorded by police have decreased by 4%, the sharp 13% rise in shoplifting - alongside a 5% increase in theft from the person to 145,860 offences - demonstrates that retail crime continues to surge. These sharp rises since the pandemic show no sign of abating.
However, Bira's own crime survey shows the vast majority of crimes now go unreported - 91% of physical abuse incidents and 47% of thefts - because retailers have lost faith in police response. When incidents are reported, only 16.7% lead to prosecution. This means that Bira believes the true scale of retail crime is far greater than even the official ONS figures suggest, with repeat offenders accounting for nearly 70% of incidents according to Bira members.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We welcome the Government's commitment to 3,000 additional neighbourhood officers by March 2026 and the Crime and Policing Bill measures, including ending the £200 theft loophole and creating a new offence for assaulting retail workers. However, we urge swift implementation of the Government's Winter of Action - the renewed focus on tackling shop theft in town centres following the summer crime blitz - and call for consistent police response standards across all forces.
"We would also like to see greater use of community behaviour orders (CBOs) in order to deal with the perennial offenders. Independent retailers are the backbone of our high streets and need visible support now to protect their businesses, their staff, and their livelihoods."
Bira said it will continue to monitor crime figures through its bi-annual crime survey of independent retailers and will be presenting these findings to the Home Office, police forces, and policymakers across the UK, calling for sustained action to protect Britain's high streets.
Access an exclusive discount on this innovative stock security solution
Bira members receive 10% off their order by simply requesting a quote from Chirp Protect.
Click the link below to get started.
Listen to our podcast special on retail crime...
Step inside the mind of shop thieves as leading criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor and Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre reveal the psychology driving retail crime.
Image credit: josemiguelsangar/stock.adobe.com
Latest News
Read more-
Independent retailers challenge Government over 'fundamentally misdirected' pub-only business rates relief
Bira has responded to January's announcement giving pubs 15% business rates relief with a hard-hitting podcast calling the policy "fundamentally misdirected."
-
Independent shop owner to sing in Shrewsbury fundraiser after fatal fire
An independent shop owner will stage a live singing performance this month to raise funds after a fatal fire destroyed a historic home and business.
-
National Convenience Show to highlight trends as part of 2026 UK Food & Drink Shows
The National Convenience Show will spotlight food innovation and the continued growth of the food-to-go market as part of the 2026 UK Food & Drink Shows.
-
Coalition letter calling for consultation on online VAT reform
Bira has today written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, alongside 18 others, calling for a formal consultation on reforming VAT online marketplace liability rules.