Crimestoppers launch campaign to protect retail workers

Independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland in partnership with Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce has launched a national campaign to help tackle the growing problem of organised theft and sale of stolen goods from Scotland’s shops.

With increasing reports of theft, violence and abuse targeting retail workers, the campaign aims to empower communities and the industry to report incidents anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers.

Scotland’s retail sector has seen a rise in theft linked to organised crime gangs.

Police Scotland figures show that between April 2024 and October 2025, goods worth an estimated £3.6-£5 million were reported stolen through shoplifting, which accounts for almost 40% of all recorded acquisitive crime across the country.

It is thought that organised crime groups are responsible for around a third of these thefts. Retail groups, believe the true cost is far higher, with losses across Scotland exceeding £170 million a year.

In response to the ongoing rise in retail offences, Police Scotland received a funding allocation of £3m for the year 2025/26 and used this capital to launch the Retail Crime Taskforce.

The unit is dedicated to ensuring police, retailers and stakeholders can work together to try to stop retail crime through crime prevention and deter people becoming involved in such offences through education and diversionary support.

Where retail crime occurs, the Taskforce seeks to help mitigate the impact by improving processes such as reporting of offences to Police Scotland and conducting regular enforcement activity to bring those responsible to justice.

Since April, dedicated Taskforce officers and operations supported by the Taskforce have helped detect more than 2000 retail offences within Scotland.

In addition to the financial impact of shoplifting, the human cost of retail theft is incalculable. As part of the Crimestoppers initiative, the charity spoke to the public and retail staff about the impact of theft from the shops they worked in. Many said they felt ‘afraid’ and ‘anxious’ at work. Several who witnessed crimes were left unable to return to work. Some smaller, local businesses were considering closing because of the daily threat of thefts.

Two recent incidents shared by Retailers Against Crime underline the human impact:

• A man was stopped by -staff, and this  caused him to produce a large kitchen knife before threatening them with it. The male then fled the premises, and the store called  the  police.  He  was  stopped,  arrested  and  the knife was retained.

• Another worker was assaulted after confronting a man who had left a store without paying for items. The offender later returned and physically attacked the security guard. 

Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers Scotland said: “Our charity wants to empower communities and retail staff to pass on information anonymously about WHO is behind, organised shop theft. Your information could help prevent serious abuse and violent incidents and help Scotland’s shop workers feel safer at work. You will never be asked for your name or any personal details, and your information could make a real difference.”

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “The Scottish Government recognises the harm caused by retail crime to businesses and those that work there. Our budget for 2025/26 has made an additional £3 million available to Police Scotland to help tackle the issue, which has led to the establishment of their Retail Crime Taskforce.

“Alongside our partners we want to prevent such incidents and pursue those responsible. I commend Crimestoppers, Police Scotland and all involved for raising awareness of this important issue as we approach the festive season, and their continuing efforts in this area.”

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Strategic Lead for Acquisitive Crime, said: “We recognised that retail offences were contributing to the overwhelming majority of acquisitive crimes taking place across Scotland and having a significant impact on businesses and retail staff.  In response, and through engagement with the Scottish Government, we set out a strategy for addressing this.

“Thanks to a £3m funding allocation for the year 2025/26, we were able to establish the Retail Crime Taskforce and since April, this dedicated unit has supported local policing divisions across Scotland to address retail crime, work closely with those in the retail sector to consider and enhance their security measures and bring offenders to justice.

“We also know that partnership work, such as this campaign, helps raise the profile of retail crime, so all relevant groups and individuals can reflect on the role they can play in tackling offences of this nature.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Knight from the Retail Crime Taskforce added: “Our mission statement could not be simpler. We must reduce retail crime in all its forms and ensure that we work closely with the retail sector and retail workers to mitigate against the devastating impact of retail crime on those affected.

“Enforcement plays a key role and over the last seven months, thousands  of offences have been detected by dedicated Taskforce resources supporting their local policing colleagues.

“However, Police cannot solve this problem alone and that is why we are collaborating with Crimestoppers to raise awareness around the impact of Retail Crime on retailers, their staff and local communities, and urge those who have information about individuals committing retail crime, or those selling and buying stolen retail property to report it.  Retail crime is not victimless and together we can make a difference”

Lucy Brown, Retail Industry Leadership Co Chair, said, on behalf of the Retail Industry Leaders Group (RILG) “I am pleased to see the progress the Retail Crime Task Force is making, and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure its continued success.”

Stephanie Karte, CEO Retailers Against Crime: “Retail crime is not a victimless offence and partnership working is key to tackling the growing threat faced by retailers and their staff. At Retailers Against Crime, we are seeing a sharp rise in incidents across our member network, with offenders becoming increasingly bold and organised. By working together in partnership, we can address this problem more effectively.

"We are stronger together and we urge the public to report any activity that may help identify or deter those responsible. The more eyes and ears we have, the greater our ability to disrupt criminal behaviour and make a real difference in keeping our communities safe.”