RLP NEWS
Retail crime is becoming increasingly violent and organized, according to Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews. Speaking at a police and crime panel on Monday, September 23, Matthews emphasized that shoplifting has evolved into a “profitable business model” for some organized crime groups. He attributed the rise in such offenses to both organized criminal activity and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, noting a near 30% increase in shoplifting in his area over the past year.
“Historically, shoplifting involved relatively small amounts of money and was typically non-violent, so it hadn’t been a priority for law enforcement,” Matthews explained. “That’s now changing. People stealing from shops are becoming more violent, more prolific, and it’s seen as a business rather than just a way to get extra money or feed a drug habit.”
Matthews underscored that retail crime is now a key focus for law enforcement, not only in Leicestershire and Rutland but across the country. “We are taking it a lot more seriously than we did four or five years ago, and we will continue to take it seriously,” he said.
His annual report for the 2023/24 financial year highlighted the significant rise in retail theft, noting a 29.1% increase in shoplifting offenses. Matthews attributed this spike to economic pressures as well as Leicestershire Police’s efforts to encourage the reporting of such crimes. He acknowledged that the increase in shoplifting is part of a national trend, and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing business-related crimes.
Since his re-election in May, Matthews has frequently met with local communities, where retail crime and crime on shopping streets have been recurrent concerns. He pledged to continue prioritizing these issues as they become more prevalent and increasingly violent.
The commissioner’s remarks come at a time when shoplifting is moving up the agenda for police forces across the UK, as they grapple with its evolution into a serious, organized crime issue.