Officers carry out day of action to tackle retail crime in Glasgow

Officers carried out proactive patrols and enforcement in Glasgow city centre as part of Police Scotland’s commitment to bringing retail offenders to justice.

A day of action was held on Thursday, 20 November, 2025, by local officers and supported by colleagues from the Retail Crime Taskforce and partners including Retailers Against Crime.

A briefing was held before both uniform and plainclothes officers headed out on patrols, focusing on some of the city centre’s busiest shopping streets. 

Throughout the day three men, aged 27, 28 and 33, were arrested in connection with shoplifting offences. A man will also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal, and a woman was issued with a Recorded Police Warning, both in relation to shoplifting offences.

Inspector Jonny Watters, Glasgow city centre Community Policing, said: “Tackling shoplifting and other forms of retail crime is a priority, and local officers continue to work alongside Retail Crime Taskforce colleagues and partners to identify offenders and bring them to justice.

“We know how damaging retail crime can be to individuals and businesses alike and are committed to using every tool at our disposal to prevent further offences and bring offenders to justice.

“We are in a busy shopping period in the city centre so having that visible police presence provides public reassurance and acts as a deterrent for shoplifters.” 

Inspector Emma Wright from the Retail Crime Taskforce added: “We work with local policing teams to ensure our activities are enhanced, continuing to target those involved in retail crime. 

“Working together, Police Scotland, the retail sector and other key partners can make a real difference, demonstrating that retail crime is not victimless and will not be tolerated.

“I’d like to thank the retailers and partners who attended briefings and the enforcement work and who we will continue to work with in the future.”

Stephanie Karté from Retailers Against Crime said: “These Days of Action show what is possible when retailers, police and partners stand together to make a meaningful difference and tackle the ongoing challenge of retail crime. 

“This issue affects us all and by uniting we send a clear message that violence, abuse and theft will not be tolerated in stores. Addressing this problem is not a short-term fix, it demands partnership, persistence and strong communication. 

“We must continue to stand united, as together we are stronger and together we will make a lasting difference.”