The Fed (Federation of Independent Retailers) has repeated calls for government grants to boost security measures for smaller stores, following the news that incidents of shoplifting have topped more than half a million for the first time ever.

According to the latest statistics, the police in England and Wales recorded a total of 516,971 cases of shoplifting in 2024, up 20 per cent from 429,873 in 2023.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed this is the highest since current recording practices began more than 20 years ago.

In a recent survey of its members, the Fed found that 72 per cent of those who responded had experienced shoplifting, break-ins and damage to property, while they and their staff had been physically or verbally threatened.

The Fed’s National President Mo Razzaq said: “The numbers are shocking but come as no surprise to independent retailers, as we face these incidents on a daily basis.

“In realty, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as many incidents go unreported due to lack of confidence in the police and the justice system to take appropriate action to tackle this growing problem.”

Last year, the Fed launched its Safe, Secure, Supported campaign, aimed at police and crime commissioners, as well as politicians, to back its call for grants to help smaller businesses to install equipment such as high quality CCTV systems.

Mr Razzaq added: “We hope that the latest disturbing statistics on shoplifting encourage the government to provide the financial help that is urgently needed to tackle the surge in retail crime.”