London, November 23, 2025
Retailers across England and Wales are increasingly frustrated as the time to bring shoplifting cases to justice has grown significantly, reaching on average nearly two months in magistrates’ courts in 2024, amid rising shoplifting incidents and stretched judicial resources.
Delays in Justice and Retailer Impact
The average duration from offence to sentencing in shoplifting cases in magistrates’ courts has surged by over 80% over the last decade, increasing from 32 days in 2014 to 59 days in 2024. More serious theft cases processed by crown courts have also seen delays, rising from 111 days in 2016 to 128 days in 2024. Retailers say these extended waiting times compound the difficulties posed by rising crime levels and present an “unacceptable” obstacle to securing justice.
This growing lag discourages many small business owners from reporting shoplifting. Andrew Goodacre of the British Independent Retailers Association commented, “The delays in bringing perpetrators to court really does add insult to injury. It is no surprise many small shop owners simply do not bother reporting the crime in the first place. In their minds it makes no difference.” Several stores have reported waiting up to ten months from identifying offenders to their sentencing.
Rising Shoplifting Rates and Financial Consequences
Shoplifting offences have risen sharply, with police recorded incidents hitting 530,643 in the year to March 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year and the highest since recording practices began in 2003. This surge places further strain on law enforcement and judicial bodies tasked with addressing the crimes.
The financial burden extends beyond retailers, affecting households across the UK. Estimates suggest the average household now pays an additional £133 annually to cover theft-related costs absorbed by businesses.
Systemic Challenges and Government Initiatives
The justice system is grappling with increased caseloads amid limited resources. Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, noted, “Shoplifting crimes have been going up year-on-year with the majority of shoplifting carried out by repeat offenders who target stores every day, leaving businesses feeling helpless.”
In response, the government has introduced the Crime and Policing Bill, which removes the threshold distinguishing “low-value shoplifting” offences—those under £200—seeking to ensure all shoplifting acts are treated with greater seriousness. However, questions remain about whether police forces and courts have adequate capacity to implement these changes effectively.
Calls for Enhanced Support and Legislative Measures
Retailers are advocating for additional legislative reforms, increased policing presence around stores, and improved crime-reporting support services. Groups such as the UK Retail Crime Prevention Partnership (UKPAC) aim to facilitate streamlined reporting and evidence sharing to help accelerate prosecution processes.
The combination of record-level shoplifting incidents and prolonged judicial delays is intensifying pressures on small businesses. Industry leaders emphasize that addressing these intertwined challenges is essential to restore confidence in law enforcement and the justice system while safeguarding commercial communities across the UK.