Data from the Association of Convenience Stores’ annual Crime Report which was published on 22 June, revealed that its theft index has reached records never witnessed before.

It is now the second consecutive quarter this year that the report’s shoplifting record numbers have been broken.

This is after the previous highest shoplifting total before this year stood for ten years, highlighting just how rapidly the picture is changing.

Key findings from the report uncovered that 63% of shop theft is committed by repeat offenders. And that 79% of retailers believe that the cost-of-living crisis has led to an increase in theft.

Over a million incidents of theft

Last year alone, there was an estimated 1.1 million incidents of theft reported in convenience stores, the crime report revealed.

Retailers said that the most commonly reported items which were stolen are meat, alcohol and confectionery.

As they are typically high value items, they can be sold on to those who have drug or alcohol addictions, the report stated. Or even passed on those who are involved with wider organised crime groups.

Convenience store body releases five point plan

 The introduction of a “most wanted” list is part of a five-point plan to combat rising convenience store crime.

Included in the plan is a review of the impact of new legislation that makes attacking a public facing worker an aggravated offence.

Also included are recommendations to invest in rehabilitation programmes for repeat offenders, and to encourage local police forces to use the tools available to deal with anti-social behaviour.

Additionally the organisation says that there should be measures to incentivise investment in crime prevention.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The levels of theft that retailers are experiencing on a daily basis are unprecedented. Repeat offenders, known to the community and known to the police, are stealing without fear of reproach.

“The cost-of-living crisis has increased the level of theft but this isn’t driven by people falling on hard times turning to crime, it’s organised criminal gangs and addicts stealing to fund their drug or alcohol problems.

“This cannot be allowed to continue. Official crime figures barely scratch the surface of the problems that retailers are facing. The Government, police and crime commissioners, and local forces need to take urgent action to stop this national crimewave in its tracks and send a clear message that repeat offenders will be dealt with properly.”