Mayor Khan Cites Cost-of-Living Crisis and High Shop Concentration

A Surge Amidst the Cost-of-Living Crisis

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has attributed the 50% rise in shoplifting in the capital to the city's high concentration of shops and the escalating cost-of-living crisis. According to official figures, 80,041 shoplifting offenses were recorded in London in the year to September, a significant increase from the 53,202 reported the previous year. This surge surpasses the 22% increase observed across England and Wales.

Khan explained that the cost-of-living crisis, particularly acute in London, has led to an increase in "acquisitive crime," including personal theft, robbery, and shoplifting. While London boasts around 40,000 retail outlets, the rise in shoplifting cannot be solely attributed to an increase in shops. In fact, the number of shops in London has actually decreased by nearly 400 in the year to June.

The surge in shoplifting coincides with a record high in retail crime nationwide. A survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed that theft reached an all-time high in 2023/24, with over 20 million incidents costing retailers £2.2 billion. Additionally, incidents of violence and abuse against retail staff have climbed to over 2,000 per day, with 70 incidents involving a weapon.

In response to the rising crime rates, the government has announced an additional £100 million investment in neighborhood policing, adding to the £100 million previously allocated in December. This investment aims to increase police presence on the streets and tackle anti-social behavior and shoplifting.