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Retail Crime on the Rise: How to Secure Your Commercial Property

Unlock expert strategies to enhance safety, counter retail crime, and build trust.

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Retail crime is rising across the globe, driven by economic pressures and the perception that retail spaces are easy targets. Despite inflation easing from record highs, consumers continue to feel the strain, leading to an increase in both petty theft and organised retail crime (ORC). With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, commercial real estate (CRE) owners and retailers are under immense pressure to protect their assets, employees, and customers from these growing threats.

The UK’s Retail Crime Crisis

In the UK, retail crime has reached worrying levels. According to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Crime Survey 2024, shoplifting incidents doubled between 2023 and 2024, reaching 16.7 million cases. These thefts have cost UK retailers a staggering £1.8 billion. The Office of National Statistics also reported a 30% increase in retail crime, marking the highest levels seen in 20 years.

Beyond financial losses, the rise of ORC in the UK has led to increased violence against shop workers. The BRC reported that daily incidents of abuse and violence towards staff rose from 870 in 2023 to 1,300 in 2024. Much of this aggression comes from ORC groups, whose tactics have become more violent as they target high-value goods in coordinated thefts.

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Retail Crime in the US, A Growing Threat

The situation in the US mirrors that of the UK. According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Retail Security Survey 2023, over two-thirds of US retailers reported an increase in in-store violence related to ORC. Repeat offenders are becoming more aggressive, with 53% of retailers witnessing higher levels of violence from these groups. This trend shows no signs of slowing, with the 2024 data likely to reveal further escalation in both threats to inventory and staff safety.

What’s the Industries Response?
The UK’s Retail Crime Action Plan

In response to the surge in retail crime, the UK government launched the Retail Crime Action Plan in October 2023. This five-step plan introduced a new offence for assaulting retail workers and streamlined crime reporting, making it easier for retailers to share information with law enforcement. In July 2024, the government reinforced these efforts in the King’s Speech, highlighting the Crime and Policing Bill, which aims to cut serious violence in half within the next decade.

Additionally, the College of Policing (CoP) introduced the Crime Reduction Toolkit, which includes safety training videos for shop workers. These resources provide practical support to help retailers better manage security risks and protect their staff from rising threats.

How is the US Combating Organized Retail Crime?

In the US, the NRF has been actively lobbying for stronger laws to combat ORC. In 2023, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act was introduced to Congress, aiming to classify retail theft as a federal felony. The bill also proposes the creation of an Organized Retail Crime Center, which would enable law enforcement agencies to collaborate more effectively in tackling ORC. More than 34 states have already passed laws targeting ORC, with California investing over $241.4 million to address these crimes.

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What proactive measure can CRE owners introduce?

For CRE owners, rising retail crime presents both challenges and opportunities to implement proactive security measures and support their retail tenants. Addressing retail crime head-on is essential to maintaining tenant relationships and preventing further incidents.

Centralising Safety Guidelines

CRE owners can enhance security by centralising safety guidelines and protocols within operational platforms or apps. By sending training materials and updates via push notifications, they ensure tenants stay informed, with real-time updates and compliance tracking to maintain adherence to safety measures.

Sharing Information with Security Teams

Providing security teams with updated information on known offenders is crucial. Centralised apps can share images and profiles, enabling quicker responses to potential threats. Early recognition helps CRE owners strengthen their defence against retail crime.

Strengthening Police Cooperation

Cooperating with local law enforcement is essential for preventing retail crime. CRE owners can engage with initiatives like RILA, the NDAA, and programs such as the 2024 Store Walk Initiative to enhance crime prevention and information sharing.

Read Securing Spaces to Learn More

For a deeper dive into how CRE managers can protect their spaces from the threat of retail crime, there are no forms blocking you from reading the Securing Spaces Ebook. This guide offers expert insights from Knight Frank, Landsec and JLL, real life case studies following security threats and hurricanes, and step-by-step strategies for improving security in public spaces. Don’t wait for the unthinkable to happen-start preparing today.

In just one click, access your copy of our ‘Securing Spaces’ E-Book and discover how prepare your property for any eventuality.