NEW crime figures reveal an increase in shoplifting across Welsh police force areas, with Dyfed-Powys recording a 12% rise. Retail trade union Usdaw has expressed deep concern over the impact on shop workers as theft-related violence escalates.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) today published data showing a 19% overall rise in shoplifting incidents across Wales in the year to September 2024. The figures for individual police forces are:

• Dyfed-Powys: +12%
• Gwent: +37%
• North Wales: -3%
• South Wales: +24%

The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, addressed the issue of shoplifting in the region last year. In September 2024, Llywelyn acknowledged that shoplifting (retail crime) has increased in the Dyfed-Powys area, reflecting a national trend.

In response to this increase, the following actions have been taken:

• Dyfed-Powys Police has created a Retail Crime Strategy linked to the work of Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
• The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has drafted a retail crime action plan to complement the Force Strategy.

These initiatives aim, he said, to build confidence among the retail community across the Dyfed-Powys area. The Commissioner emphasized that both Dyfed-Powys Police and his office have been attentive to concerns from businesses regarding shoplifting, demonstrating their commitment to addressing this issue.

Usdaw’s latest annual survey, which gathered responses from over 4,000 retail staff, found that 17% of retail workers experienced a violent attack last year—more than double the 8% recorded in 2022. Additionally, 70% of respondents reported that incidents of violence, threats, and abuse were triggered by theft or armed robbery.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) also released its annual crime report this week, highlighting a disturbing trend:

• Retail violence and abuse surged by over 50%, reaching more than 2,000 incidents a day in 2024.
• Customer theft losses hit a record £2.2 billion in 2023/24.
• Despite retailers spending £1.8 billion on security measures, crime levels remain alarmingly high.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis described the figures as “shocking,” stating: “The epidemic of retail crime is devastating for businesses and communities. Retailers are forced to invest heavily in security, yet store closures continue, and shop workers live in fear of the next violent incident.”

Lillis pointed to the rise of organised crime gangs stealing to order, noting that these incidents are far from victimless. “Weapons and violence are increasingly used to deter staff from intervening. Repeated offences create lasting trauma, causing anxiety, fear, and physical harm to workers.”

Usdaw, alongside the BRC and major retail employers, has long campaigned for stronger legislative measures to tackle the issue. The Government’s upcoming Crime and Policing Bill includes provisions aimed at addressing retail crime, and Usdaw is pushing for additional protections, including:

• A Retail Workers’ Protection Law.
• The abolition of the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters.
• Increased funding for uniformed officer patrols in shopping areas.
• Respect Orders for repeat offenders.

“We need urgent action to ensure retail staff receive the respect and protection they deserve,” Lillis added.