London faces a surge in shoplifting, with offenses spiking by 50% in a year. High living costs and increased shops are cited as factors.
The Met Police recorded over 80,000 offenses between September 2023 and 2024, a jump from 53,000 the previous year. England and Wales saw shoplifting rise too, though their increase was 22%, less than London’s. Cases went up from 402,000 to 492,000.
Khan referenced a London School of Economics report, which linked rising costs to property crimes. Theft, robbery, and shoplifting are up. Khan states London’s increase is extra high. He said London has more shops than other places and the cost of living hits Londoners harder.
Khan wants to help the police reduce theft. He supports neighborhood teams, which partner with shops, using facial recognition and neighborhood watch groups.
The Home Secretary is holding meetings about this. Khan talks to retailers and USDAW often. They discuss assaults on shop staff, to which shoplifting and robbery contribute.
Khan said the issue is personal for him, as he used to work in a shop himself. This issue is also important for all London residents.
