The hidden cost of shoplifting: shop workers facing soaring rates of abuse, threats and violence for simply doing their job.

The UK is currently experiencing unprecedented rates of shoplifting, with the police recording 365,164 shoplifting offences last year – a 25% increase from the previous 12 months. With capacity a challenge for police departments up and down the country, the impact on front-line shop workers has never been worse, as they frequently experience abuse and violence from shoplifters, when simply trying to do their job.

Chris Dryden11 December 2023shoplifting, security, face recognition, ai safety, shop worker rights