Recorded incidents of shop theft in Scotland soared 17% to 40,554 offences for the year ending June 2025, according to new statistics from the Scottish Government.
It marks a sharp 124% rise since 2021, from 21,136 to 47,381 crimes.
Responding to the surge in incidents, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) urged long-term support for Police Scotland to tackle retail crime after the latest figures show a “deluge of shop theft” devastating local businesses and risking the safety of retail workers, it said.
According to the trade association’s Crime Report 2024/25, the average cost of shop theft and vandalism has increased to £19,673 per store in Scotland, up 38% from the previous year.
The SGF recently published its manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, placing crime at the top of its agenda and describing it as the “most significant challenge” facing Scotland’s c-stores.
“Across every metric, retail crime, including organised crime is on the rise. The impact on staff, businesses and communities can be overwhelming and many cannot afford to wait for support any longer,” said Luke McGarty, SGF head of policy & public affairs.
“Shop staff who provide an essential local service are facing abuse and violence every day, and businesses are forking out thousands of pounds for extra security and in lost goods. That is completely unacceptable.”
The Scottish Government committed £3m additional funding for Police Scotland to tackle retail crime in the 2025/26 budget, but the SGF claims the funding has not yet been renewed beyond the end of the financial year.
McGarthy added: “SGF very much welcomes the extra funding last year, and we have been working closely with Police Scotland to support the new taskforce on retail crime. Progress is being made, but at the very least that funding must be renewed in the budget this autumn. Before the situation gets even worse.”
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