World · North America · 2 hrs ago
Business robberies in England and Wales rise 67% as shoplifting falls
Police recorded more than 31,000 robberies of businesses, a 67% rise on the previous year.
The figures cover England and Wales, where recorded shoplifting fell 2% to 519,516.
Overall, recorded robberies rose 10% to 88,282, the highest level since before the pandemic.
The Association of Convenience Stores says some thefts may now be recorded as robberies because violence was involved.
Its chief executive says retailers are worried that offenders are becoming more confident and violent.
The figures point to a shift in the type of crime facing retailers, even as recorded shoplifting declines.
The figures do not say what action, if any, will follow.
Recorded robberies of businesses in England and Wales rose 67 per cent to more than 31,000, the highest level on record.
Recorded shoplifting fell 2 per cent to 519,516.
Overall recorded robbery rose 10 per cent year-on-year to 88,282, its highest level since before the pandemic.
The Association of Convenience Stores said some offences may now be recorded as robberies that were previously counted as shoplifting.
ACS chief executive Ed Woodall said retailers were facing thefts that were becoming more violent.
- Who
- Retail businesses in England and Wales were affected. The Association of Convenience Stores commented on the figures.
- What
- Business robberies rose 67 per cent to more than 31,000, while recorded shoplifting fell 2 per cent to 519,516.
- When
- The figures were reported on October 22, 2026. The comparison period is not stated.
- Where
- England and Wales.
- Why
- The ACS said some offences may now be recorded as robberies rather than shoplifting, and said offenders were becoming more violent.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Three armed robbers raided Gregory & Co jewellers in Richmond and stole gems worth £225,000.
The three robbers were sentenced to five years and three months each.
The Daily Mail reported figures showing business robberies up 67 per cent and shoplifting down 2 per cent.
- Business robberies
- Up 67 per cent to more than 31,000
- Recorded shoplifting
- Down 2 per cent to 519,516
- Total recorded robbery
- Up 10 per cent year-on-year to 88,282
- Gregory & Co robbery
- Gems worth £225,000 stolen in Richmond in January
- Sentences
- Three robbers received five years and three months each in July
What people are saying
The reason for the marked increase in robberies is likely due to a change in the way some offences are now recorded as robberies that previously would have been counted as shoplifting.
We are extremely concerned about the changing nature of theft against retailers. Offenders are becoming more confident, more brazen and ultimately more violent in their crimes.