Official statistics from the Scottish Government show that shoplifting in Scotland has increased for five consecutive years - and is now at the highest level since 1971.
According to the figures published this week, recorded shoplifting crimes increased by 19% from 44,730 to 53,369 between 2024-25 and 2025-26.
However, the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) notes a significant volume of shoplifting may still be going unreported.
There was an 86% increase over the 10-year period between 2016-17 and 2025-26, from 28,650 to 53,369 crimes.
SGF’s annual Crime Report estimates that the cost of shop theft alone is costing its members an average of £10,431 per store per year. While 99.6% of report that shoplifting is now a daily occurrence.
Dr Pete Cheema OBE, SGF’s chief executive said: “SGF fought hard to secure the funding for the Scottish Retail Crime Taskforce, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to replicate that funding for at least the next three years.
“The reality for many local shops is that they are being devastated by a tsunami of crime hitting Scottish communities.”
“There’s no doubt the Taskforce has made good progress, and new initiatives have helped improve reporting and communication with local retailers as well. But the reality for many local shops is that they are being devastated by a tsunami of crime hitting Scottish communities.
“It’s not only a few items going missing each day, organised groups are also carrying out violent raids behind the counter and repeat offenders are clearing whole shelves in the belief that there’ll be no consequences for their actions.
“That’s why the police Taskforce must be just the first step, and we also need to see meaningful changes to the Scottish justice system. Clearing the backlog in the courts and ensuring that criminals are swiftly brought to justice.”
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