LONDON, UK – The number of unsolved shoplifting cases has surged to a five-year high, sparking concerns about a “crime epidemic” across the country. According to analysis of Home Office data by the Liberal Democrats, more than 200,000 reports of shoplifting went unsolved in the year ending July 2023, averaging 560 cases per day.

This revelation has raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling organized gangs behind these crimes, with the number of unsolved shoplifting cases increasing by a third since the previous year.

The research has also highlighted the challenges faced by retail businesses, with just 15% of shoplifting cases resulting in a suspect being charged or summonsed, down from 19% in 2019. This has led some shop owners to turn to private security as a means of protecting their businesses.

In response to the rising concerns, there have been calls for the government to take action, particularly in light of a reported decrease of 4,000 community support officers since 2015. The opposition has criticized the Conservative government for failing to address the growing crime rates, emphasizing the need for more police presence and resources to properly investigate and address these issues.

Additionally, the heads of major retailers have voiced their worries about the escalating situation, highlighting incidents of staff being threatened with weapons and stores being emptied by criminals.

In conclusion, the surge in unsolved shoplifting cases and the increase in organized criminal activity present significant challenges to law enforcement and the retail industry. The need for effective intervention and a coordinated response from the government and law enforcement agencies has become increasingly urgent.