Retail Security in the UK: Why Shoplifting Is Out of Control

Imagine walking into a retail store and witnessing thieves boldly emptying shelves in broad daylight without fear of being stopped. This isn’t a rare incident; it has happened over 20 million times in the UK in the past year. Violence against shopworkers has also surged by 50%, putting staff in danger every single day and causing people to question the extent of retail security.

With shoplifting in the UK reaching record levels, businesses must take action. How can retailers fight back, and what role do retail security guards play in protecting businesses and customers? Let’s dive in.

Key Statistics & Insights 

The Annual Retail Crime Survey Report 2025 by The British Retail Consortium reveals that in 2024:

• Retailers in the UK reported 20.4 million shoplifting incidents, which cost businesses £2 billion.
• Over 2,000 incidents were reported per day.
• Shoplifting in England and Wales surged 23%, reaching 492,000 police-reported offences.
• 10% of security personnel supplied by a facilities management firm were injured in the line of duty.
• Retailers invested 1.8 billion pounds on additional security measures.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for stronger retail security measures to protect businesses, employees, and customers.

Retail Security: What’s Happening & Why It Matters

As shoplifting rates soar and retail crime becomes more brazen, retail security is facing an increasingly difficult challenge. Understanding the causes behind this rise is key to protecting businesses, staff, and customers in today’s retail environment.

What Is Retail Security?

Retail security isn’t just about stopping theft—it’s about protecting staff, customers, and businesses from financial loss and harm. But right now, shoplifters are bolder than ever, walking out with armfuls of goods in broad daylight. Videos on social media show security officers and shop staff hesitating to intervene—often for good reason, as many offenders resort to violence when challenged.

Why Is Shoplifting on the Rise?

Shoplifting in the UK has always been an issue, but several factors have worsened the crisis:

1. Organised Crime – Many thefts aren’t opportunistic but rather well-coordinated operations where criminals steal to order.
2. Lack of Police Response – Some retailers report that thefts go unreported because past incidents have been ignored.
3. Economic Pressures – The cost-of-living crisis has increased desperation, but organised criminals exploit this by using vulnerable individuals as shoplifters.
4. Low Consequences – Even when caught, some offenders face minimal punishment, encouraging repeat offences.

With limited police response and repeat offenders slipping through the cracks, shoplifters feel unstoppable. Retailers and security professionals are left asking: What’s the solution? Security professionals must now adapt their approach to meet this new challenge.

This is where security guard training plays a pivotal role. Retailers are already losing billions, and retail security guards are more important than ever. 

Digital Shoplifting: A Growing Concern

In addition to physical theft, another threat to retailers is digital shoplifting, where thieves steal digital goods or engage in fraudulent returns online. This adds another layer to the problem that traditional retail security might not be prepared for. The phenomenon has surged among younger generations, who are increasingly turning to online platforms to steal or scam businesses. 

According to a recent Axios report, digital theft has taken off in the US as thieves exploit e-commerce systems to steal products or manipulate returns without ever setting foot in a physical store. Digital shoplifting in the UK has also been gaining attention. A significant aspect of this involves serial returners, particularly among younger demographics like Gen Z. These individuals often engage in practices such as ordering multiple items with the intention of returning most of them, a behaviour that is eroding retail profitability. 

The digital aspect of shoplifting brings a whole new set of challenges for retail security. While physical security guards can deter in-store theft, preventing digital theft requires different strategies, such as improved e-commerce fraud prevention systems, AI-powered detection tools, and collaboration between online and physical retail security.

What Is the Role of a Retail Security Guard?

A retail security guard is the first line of defence against shoplifting and in-store violence. Their responsibilities include:

• Monitoring CCTV & store activity to spot suspicious behaviour.
• Patrolling the store to deter potential shoplifters.
• Escorting troublesome individuals off the premises when necessary.
• Handling conflicts calmly and professionally, reducing the risk of harm.
• Reporting incidents to police and store managers for legal follow-up.

Security guards don’t have the power to arrest shoplifters, but their presence alone can prevent crime. Trained professionals know how to de-escalate situations and handle aggressive offenders.

As more consumers shop online, it’s also essential for retail security guards to not only monitor physical stores but also become equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to protect against this growing threat. Retailers must be vigilant in defending against both physical and digital shoplifting, which means investing in multi-faceted security solutions.

Partner with Get Licensed for Improved Retail Security

Retailers can fight back against shoplifting by hiring trained security staff to deter crime before it happens. They should also invest in loss prevention technology and AI-powered analytics and train staff to report suspicious activity.

At Get Licensed, we provide specialised training for retail security guards, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect businesses from the growing threat of shoplifting. Our SIA-approved security courses, such as the Door Supervisor training, CCTV Operator training, and Security Guard training, are tailored to the specific needs of retailers, offering practical, real-world scenarios to ensure staff are prepared for any situation.

Our security training programmes cover everything from conflict management to legal compliance, ensuring that your security personnel are fully equipped to handle challenging situations and keep your business secure. Invest in your security team’s training and development and book a course today to improve retail security at your premises!