Rise in shoplifting and theft in UK finds nine in 10 retailers in rural areas targeted
A recent study reveals that 90% of rural retailers in the UK have experienced crime in the past year, highlighting a significant rise in shoplifting and theft. The average financial impact on these businesses was reported to be £83,000, with some victims suffering losses exceeding half a million pounds. The increase in crime is attributed to organized criminal gangs targeting shops, prompting calls for enhanced protective measures for retailers.
- ▪Nine in 10 rural retailers have been victims of crime in the past year.
- ▪The average cost of crime for affected businesses was £83,000.
- ▪Retailers in inner cities reported the highest crime levels at 94%, closely followed by urban and rural areas at 91%.
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A break-in and theft at the Broadditch farm shop near Gravesend, Kent, has had a lasting impact. Photograph: John HarrisView image in fullscreenA break-in and theft at the Broadditch farm shop near Gravesend, Kent, has had a lasting impact. Photograph: John HarrisRetail industryRise in shoplifting and theft in UK finds nine in 10 retailers in rural areas targetedResearch shows cost of crime for each affected business was on average £83,000 in past yearJoanna PartridgeMon 25 May 2026 07.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 25 May 2026 07.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleNine in 10 retailers based in rural locations have been victims of crime in the past 12 months, according to research, underlining the widespread impact of the rise in shoplifting and theft even in more remote parts of the…
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