SGF call for urgent action as shoplifting increases by 124% since 2021
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation is calling for long-term support for Police Scotland to tackle retail crime after the latest Scottish Government figures show a significant increase in shop theft, damaging local businesses and risking the safety of retail workers.
According to Scottish Government statistics, reported shoplifting increased by 17% compared to the previous year (from 40,554 to 47,381 crimes), and increased by 124% from the year ending June 2021 (from 21,136 to 47,381 crimes).
The trade association for Scottish convenience stores recently published its manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, highlighting that the official figures only show reported crime which may not reflect the full impact of retail crime on local shops and staff. Crime is number one on the SGF’s election agenda, as the most significant challenge facing the convenience sector in Scotland today.
The Scottish Government committed £3 million extra for Police Scotland to tackle retail crime in the 2025/26 budget, but that funding has not yet been renewed beyond the end of the financial year.
You can read the Scottish Government’s Recorded Crime Publication here.
You can read SGF’s full press release here.