Nearly 30 percent of shoppers in the Midlands have witnessed shoplifting, marking the region as one of the worst-hit in the country. Recent data reveals that 29 percent of people in the West Midlands have seen theft in stores over the past year, a figure matched only by London.
A poll conducted by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) also found that more than one in five UK shoppers—21 percent—have observed violence or abuse directed at retail workers within the last year.
Local reports highlight that criminals frequently raid stores such as Greggs bakeries, brazenly sweeping food off shelves and walking out without payment. Organised criminal gangs are also increasingly targeting high-value items that can be easily resold, exacerbating losses for retailers.
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BRC further notes that delivery drivers often face abuse, physical attacks, and even threats involving weapons while on the job.
In response, retailers have invested roughly £5 billion over the past five years in combating retail crime through enhanced CCTV systems, security staff, anti-theft technologies, and body-worn cameras.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, emphasized the urgent need for stronger protections: “For too many people, violence and abuse have become part of the shopping experience. Incidents might last seconds, but their impact can last a lifetime for workers and bystanders alike.
“The Crime and Policing Bill is a step forward in safeguarding retail workers, yet as it stands, it falls short. Retail workers in England and Wales deserve the same level of protection as those in Scotland, including delivery drivers.
“Everyone in a customer-facing role should be protected — no exceptions.”