Shoplifting epidemic sees three thefts every minute

Shoplifting in the UK is surging, with nearly three thefts reported per minute. In the year ending March, police noted 530,643 incidents, a 20% increase from the previous year. This is almost double the rate from 20 years ago. The British Retail Consortium estimates annual losses of £1.8 billion, with an additional £700 million spent on security.

New measures are being taken, including shared databases for repeat offenders between stores and police. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the need for increased neighborhood policing to combat theft and street crime. Reports also highlight a rise in personal crimes, including domestic abuse and harassment, contributing to a broader crime rate increase in the country.