Shoplifting Hits Record High in England and Wales: How AVA Fire and Security Can Help Protect Retailers

Retailers across England and Wales are sounding the alarm after official data confirmed what many on the high street already feared: shoplifting has hit its highest level in over two decades. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a staggering 530,643 shoplifting offences were reported in the year to March 2025 — a 20% rise on the previous year.

The sharp increase, which the ONS links to post-pandemic behavioural shifts, has left retailers and retail associations calling for urgent action. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) reports over 6.2 million shoplifting incidents in convenience stores alone, indicating that the official figures may only be scratching the surface.

The situation is exacerbated by the rise in organised criminal gangs, brazenly targeting multiple stores in quick succession and exploiting weaknesses in the current policing and justice systems.

A Crisis in Confidence

Retailers are increasingly disillusioned. Many no longer report thefts, citing a lack of confidence that police will respond — especially with the current £200 threshold that limits the prioritisation of lower-value thefts. As a result, career shoplifters act with impunity, knowing their crimes are unlikely to be investigated.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman put it plainly:

“Retail crime needs to be taken seriously throughout the justice system. Only then will we be able to start bringing the numbers down.”

The government’s proposed Crime and Policing Bill, which aims to scrap the £200 threshold and beef up local patrols with 3,000 more neighbourhood officers, is a welcome step — but enforcement alone won’t be enough.

How AVA Fire and Security Can Help Retailers Fight Back

At AVA Fire and Security, we understand that retailers need more than policy changes — they need immediate, effective, and intelligent protection for their businesses.

Here’s how we help our retail clients stay one step ahead of shoplifters and organised crime:

✅ Intelligent CCTV and Video Analytics

Our advanced CCTV systems don’t just record — they actively detect suspicious behaviour, send real-time alerts to staff or security, and help police quickly identify and apprehend offenders. Facial recognition, people counting, and loitering detection are just a few of the features that make a real difference on the shop floor.

✅ Integrated Intruder Alarms

We design and install intruder alarms that work seamlessly with your other security systems. Whether it’s a break-in during closing hours or suspicious movement near high-value stock, our systems respond instantly and can alert law enforcement or security teams in real time.

✅ Access Control for High-Risk Areas

Protect staff-only zones and high-value stock rooms with smart access control solutions. From keycard entry to biometric authentication, we help limit access to trusted personnel only — keeping stock secure and shrinkage minimal.

✅ 24/7 Monitoring and Rapid Response

Our remote monitoring services ensure your premises are always being watched, even when you’re not there. If a threat is detected, our trained operators can respond within seconds — deterring criminals before they strike.

✅ Staff Safety Systems

We also provide panic alarms and lone-worker protection — essential tools for keeping retail staff safe in high-risk situations. With retail violence on the rise, these systems are becoming a must-have, not a luxury.

Why Choose AVA Fire & Security?

At AVA Fire & Security, we provide tailored retail security systems to meet the specific needs of your premises. Whether you’re managing a small business or a large facility, we design, install, and maintain systems that ensure the highest level of security.

Customisation: Our solutions can be tailored for small offices or large, multi-site operations.
Integration: Easily integrate with your existing security systems, like CCTV or alarms, for a cohesive security network.
Ongoing Support: We offer installation, maintenance, and continuous support to ensure your system operates at peak performance.

Securing your premises has never been easier. Contact AVA Fire & Security today to find the perfect access control solution for your needs!