Retailers ‘Exhausted By Criminal Activity’ – But Police Say They Are Making Progress

Published on: 3 Dec, 2025
Updated on: 4 Dec, 2025

The police have reported that their strategy against shoplifting is starting to work

Surrey police say they are making significant progress in the war on shoplifting – with a 465 per cent increase in charges being recorded over the past two years. They say this is a result of a renewed strategy against retail crime.

The police acknowledge that many retailers are feeling “demoralised, exhausted and, in some cases, frightened” by criminal activity.

Their first-ever retail crime report, just released,  says the police strategy “commits the Force to attending reports where appropriate, following all reasonable lines of enquiry, targeting repeat offenders and tackling organised criminal networks.”

The report adds: “Over the past two years, reports of shoplifting in the county have risen. However, charges have also increased by 465 per cent.”

Many respondents to a police survey of the business community said insurance premiums had gone up because of repeat incidents. Some said they felt unable to protect themselves from theft.

But the police say they have made progress since Chief Constable Tim De Meyer launched a new strategy two years ago.

They say a total of 1,347 shoplifting offences have resulted in charges this year, and the Force is seeking to increase the number of charges by more than 400 in the coming months.

More than a quarter – 27.3 per cent – of all shoplifting reports are now resulting in a “solved outcome”. The police say this includes “charges, summons, community resolutions and cautions.”

Lisa Townsend

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “The responses we had to our survey demonstrated very clearly the impact that retail crime has on the business community in Surrey.

“Retailers are feeling demoralised, exhausted and, in some cases, frightened. It is not acceptable that anyone trying simply to do their job should be targeted by criminals.

“Retail crime often goes hand-in-hand with other serious offending, including abuse, threats and violence, as well as organised criminality.

“Its victims include every one of us impacted by rising costs, as well as entire communities who feel less safe. It is vital that it is taken seriously.

“The overall picture in Surrey is one of significant improvement, with a dramatic increase in charges, although there is still a long road ahead to get to where we need to be.

“We are committed to that journey. This type of offending is a priority for Surrey.”

Chief Inspector Andy Hill, who leads the Force’s response to retail crime, said: “We have made positive steps towards tackling retail crime and keeping communities across the county safe. However, we want to do more.

“Tackling retail crime is a collective effort, and we are committed to working with the business community to drive out offending.

“While the statistics show we are going in the right direction, it’s important to remember that at the heart of every offence are real victims who may be deeply affected. We must continue to do the right thing for every one of them.”

The Surrey police report is available to view here.

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