Shoplifting in the UK: Laws, Consequences the Role of Security Guards

Imagine walking into your local store and seeing someone slip items into their coat. This scene has become far too common across the UK.

Police recorded 516,971 shoplifting offences in England and Wales in 2024 a 20% jump from the previous year, and the highest number ever recorded. But that's just the surface.

A recent investigation by Parliament's Justice Committee reveals an estimated 17 million incidents annually, causing retail losses to soar to nearly 2 billion and triggering a sharp rise in threats, abuse, and physical aggression against staff.

These figures highlight a rapid rise in shoplifting in the UK, making it clear that businesses can no longer afford to overlook retail security. Investing in retail security measures, such as hiring SIA-licensed security professionals, is now essential not only to protect stock but also to ensure staff and customer safety.

What Is Shoplifting and Why Is It Becoming More Common?

Shoplifting refers to the act of deliberately taking goods from a retail store without paying for them.

In the UK, it is recognised as a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968, and the police are responsible for investigating such incidents. Depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the offence, offenders can face fines, court appearances, or even prison.

Recent years have seen a sharp increase in shoplifting in the UK, and it has now become a much bigger problem.

But what's driving this steady rise in cases?

Organised Criminal Networks

Some criminals aren't working alone; they steal on order, often as part of larger criminal groups.

Low Risk, Low Penalties

In many cases, especially lower-value thefts, offenders don't face serious consequences, so they try again.

Economic Struggles

Struggling households and individuals may see shoplifting as a last resort. Meanwhile, gangs take advantage of that desperation.

Limited Police Response

When stores feel their reports aren't followed up, fewer cases get reported, and the cycle continues.

This signals the urgent need for enhanced retail protection. In recent times, the retail sector has been placing a greater focus on security, which includes hiring licensed security personnel.

If you're considering a career in the security industry, read our beginner-friendly guides to What is SIA and Free SIA training to get started.

Impact of Shoplifting on a Retailer

Shoplifting may seem like a small act, but for retailers, it adds up fast. Especially for smaller businesses, a steady increase in theft can push operations to the breaking point.

From rising operational costs to reputational damage, the impact can be long-lasting. As theft cases rise across the UK, so do the hidden consequences for retailers.

Key Effects of Shoplifting on Businesses:

Revenue Disruption

Even small, frequent thefts add up. For independent stores, it could mean the difference between profit and loss.

Escalating Security Spend

More theft leads to increased investment in guards, cameras, and tagging technology.

Strained Policing Resources

Many shoplifting reports don't receive a timely response, which encourages repeat incidents.

Community Confidence Drops

Visible crime in shops impacts foot traffic, brand trust, and customer satisfaction.

Retail crime is evolving, and so must retail protection. Retailers today must go beyond traditional approaches and seek innovative security solutions that incorporate trained professionals and cutting-edge technologies.

Explore: How Modern Technology Has Affected Security in the UK.

How to Spot a Shoplifter

Recognising suspicious behaviour is the first step in tackling shoplifting. Security personnel and store staff who can identify red flags early can intervene before losses occur.

Shoplifters often give off subtle signs, and recognising the behaviour patterns of potential shoplifters gives your team an advantage.

Signs to Look Out For:

• Watching people, not products
  A clear sign they're studying the environment, not shopping.

• Engaging you unnecessarily
  It may be a distraction tactic.

• Handling stock with no intent
  Picking up items without looking at price, size or value.

• Anxious behaviour
  Nervous fidgeting, sweating, or checking exits.

• Repeated visits with no purchase
  It could be a sign of pre-theft planning.

• Interest in locked items with no follow-up
  Often used to test staff responses.

Observing these signs can help identify potential shoplifters, but it's important to remember that these behaviours don't always indicate criminal intent. That's why it's vital to approach each situation with patience, caution, and professionalism.

Having a well-trained Security Guard on-site can make all the difference. Trained officers know how to assess behaviour calmly, handle tense situations confidently, and take appropriate action without escalating the issue.

For a security guard, it is essential to be observant and professional at all times. There are specific standards of behaviour, along with a set of essential skills in a security guard, that are expected to handle situations like suspected shoplifting effectively.

It's also crucial to understand the limits of authority; knowing what security guards can and cannot do helps ensure that any intervention remains legal, safe, and appropriate.

Take Control with Professional Security Training

It's essential to prevent shoplifting before it becomes a problem and that means having trained, alert personnel in place.

Explore Hurak's comprehensive SIA training courses to become a confident security professional:

• SIA Door Supervisor Training

• SIA Security Guard Training

• SIA CCTV Operator Training

Join our Security Training Courses today and be ready for any situation.

Shoplifting Law UK Is Shoplifting a Crime?

As stated above, shoplifting is undeniably a crime in the UK, governed by the Theft Act 1968. Anyone caught shoplifting can be investigated, charged, and punished under UK law.

Whether it's stealing a low-cost item from a supermarket or removing high-value goods from a department store, the police do investigate shoplifting in the UK, and offenders can face serious consequences based on the value of the stolen items and their criminal

What Happens If You're Caught Shoplifting in the UK?

Here's a breakdown of how shoplifting offences are handled under current UK law:

Sentencing Overview: Magistrates' Court vs Crown Court

Now, let's understand the maximum sentence for shoplifting under the Magistrate and Crown Courts in the UK.

Note:

• Fine 6 months custody means the court can issue anything from a minor financial penalty (fine) to a short prison sentence of up to 6 months, depending on the seriousness.

• Discharge 3 years custody means the court might let the person off with no immediate punishment (discharge), or go as far as 3 years in prison, especially in serious or repeated offences.

These ranges help Magistrates or Judges choose the right punishment based on the seriousness of the theft and whether the person has a prior offence record.

How Magistrates Decide the Sentence

When someone is caught shoplifting in the UK, Magistrates decide the punishment based on:

• The value of the goods stolen

• Whether the offence was planned or opportunistic

• The impact on staff or the community

• Criminal history and repeat offending

They follow set guidelines, which help ensure fairness and consistency.

Common Sentencing Starting Points

The UK court system uses sentencing guidelines to ensure fair and consistent outcomes in shoplifting cases.

Magistrates or judges assess the harm caused and the intent behind the theft, then choose a starting point for sentencing.

From there, they adjust the punishment based on specific factors, such as repeat offending, remorse, or violence.

Here's a simplified look at how sentencing is typically approached:

Source:

Sentencing Council

Section 176 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014: Low-value shoplifting guidance

In Summary

Shoplifting is treated as a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968, and whether the item taken is worth 10 or 1,000, the consequences can be serious. The police do investigate these incidents, and offenders can face anything from a warning to a custodial sentence, especially if they're repeat offenders or involved in organised crime.

Cases involving goods valued at 200 or less are usually handled in the Magistrates Court, where the maximum penalty is up to 6 months in custody. More serious or high-value cases can escalate to the Crown Court, with a maximum sentence of 7 years. Sentencing is based on the offender's intent, impact on the store or staff, and their previous record. Even a minor case, if ignored, can lead to a criminal record, which may impact future employment and licensing eligibility.

Further Reading

As there are laws for shoplifting, there are also strict laws in place to ensure that only trustworthy individuals become licensed security officers.

Criminal checks, licence verification, and identity vetting are all part of the process to make sure the public is protected.

Read our articles to learn more:

• Can I Get an SIA Licence with a Criminal Record?

• Fake SIA Licence: What You Need to Know

• What Are the SIA Criminal Checks?

Role of a Security Guard in Case of Shoplifting

A trained security guard isnt just someone watching CCTV they're a critical part of the retail safety team, and play a frontline role in stopping theft before it even begins.

Their visible presence alone deters crime, but their real value lies in how they respond when incidents do occur. Trained security professionals can handle shoplifters calmly, quickly, and in a legally compliant manner.

They know exactly how to assess the risk, handle difficult situations, and ensure both the public and store property are protected until the police arrive.

Key Responsibilities of a Security Guard During a Shoplifting Incident:

• Assess the situation calmly and avoid jumping to conclusions.

• Patrol the premises to deter suspicious behaviour.

• Monitor and review CCTV footage for evidence.

• Detain the suspect only if there are reasonable grounds.

• Use minimal force where necessary never excessive or aggressive.

• Escort the individual off the premises, if needed

• Call the police immediately and provide full incident details.

• Complete a detailed security report outlining what occurred.

Security guards are trained to act professionally and in accordance with the law. In many cases, they may need to detain a shoplifter on-site until the police arrive, especially if there's a risk the person may flee.

Shoplifting doesn't just hurt profits, it puts staff and shoppers at risk. That's why it's vital to have professionally trained security officers on-site.

These professionals are not only equipped to respond when theft occurs, but they're also trained to observe customer behaviour patterns and prevent incidents before they even happen. From reading body language to recognising suspicious movement, a skilled guard can spot trouble early, manage risks calmly, and ensure everyone stays safe.

From handling offenders legally to filing proper reports, a security guard brings control, calm, and confidence to challenging situations.

Conclusion

With a constant rise in the number of shoplifting cases across the UK, this is no longer a petty crime it's become a nationwide crisis.

The UK Parliament is currently discussing a new bill that would treat shoplifting offences under 200 as serious crimes, potentially escalating repeat or complex cases to the Crown Court. Although the bill hasn't been passed yet, it's a strong indication that the government is finally recognising the accurate scale and severity of retail theft.

But today's threat isn't limited to physical stores. The digital side of shoplifting is growing rapidly, with online fraud, return scams, and identity theft now costing businesses just as much as traditional shoplifting. While physical security guards help deter in-store theft, modern security challenges demand modern training. Tools like AI-powered detection systems, e-commerce fraud monitoring, and integrated strategies are becoming essential.

Retail security today must be multi-dimensional, blending on-the-ground presence with digital awareness and rapid response capabilities. Only professionally trained security officers, who can read customer behaviour and detect digital risks, can truly safeguard businesses in this evolving landscape.

That's why Hurak's SIA-approved security training courses are essential whether you're entering the industry or upskilling to meet today's challenges.

We train officers to read body language, assess threats, manage incidents lawfully, and stay ahead of both physical and digital shoplifting trends in the UK.

From CCTV monitoring to conflict resolution, Hurak's courses equip guards with the modern skills needed to address contemporary risks.

Explore All Security Courses at Hurak

FAQs

What is shoplifting?

Shoplifting is the act of deliberately taking items from a retail store without paying for them. It is considered a form of theft and is a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968. Shoplifting can include hiding products, swapping price tags, or walking out without paying.

What are the shoplifting laws in the UK?

Shoplifting laws in the UK fall under the Theft Act 1968. Anyone caught stealing from a shop can be prosecuted, and depending on the value and circumstances, the case may be handled in either a Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court. Punishments range from fines to up to 7 years in custody for serious offences.

What does the shoplifting UK law say about theft under 200?

The shoplifting UK law allows police to deal with cases under 200 as summary-only offences meaning they're usually handled in a Magistrates Court. However, recent proposals aim to treat even low-value shoplifting as more serious if it involves repeat offenders or organised crime, potentially leading to tougher sentencing.

How long after shoplifting can you be charged in the UK?

There is no strict time limit for being charged with shoplifting in the UK. A person can be charged weeks or even months after the incident, especially if evidence such as CCTV footage or witness statements becomes available later. Its important to remember that shoplifting creates a permanent police record once charged.

What happens if you're caught shoplifting in the UK?

If you're caught shoplifting in the UK, security may detain you and contact the police. You could face questioning, a fine, a court appearance, or even a custodial sentence depending on the value of the stolen goods and whether you've offended before.

What is the punishment for shoplifting in the UK?

The punishment for shoplifting in the UK depends on factors like the value of the goods, your previous history, and whether violence or intimidation was involved. For minor offences (under 200), penalties can include fines, community orders, or up to 6 months in prison. For more serious cases, the maximum penalty can go up to 7 years in custody.