Shoplifting remains a significant issue in Derbyshire, England, leading to concerns among retail shops and businesses about potential losses and financial challenges.
As of January 2025, the annual rate of shoplifting offenders in the Derbyshire area stands at 7.2 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the national average of 7.4 and covering only 6.7 per cent of all reported crimes in the country.
The annual rate of shoplifting is notably higher in Derby, with a crime rate of 83 incidents per 1,000 people, which is 83% of the national average.
Economic challenges, such as financial difficulties and the rising cost of living, have significantly contributed to the increase in shoplifting, as more individuals feel compelled to steal to make money from stolen goods.
Shoplifters often use group tactics to maximise their haul, particularly during busy times when shop employees may be distracted by other customers. This strategy is especially effective in pharmacies, where items like vitamins, hormones, and painkillers are frequently targeted due to their lightweight packages and ease of concealment.
Employees often face the consequences of shoplifters’ actions, leading to significant stress and anxiety. This heightened tension can make it challenging for them to continue working in customer service, especially without assurance that the next thief won’t be armed if they attempt to intervene.
For example, Holland & Barrett, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the UK, has started enhancing employee training and providing portable cameras to improve theft monitoring. Additionally, some of their stores are now displaying empty product boxes, allowing customers to only receive the actual items at the cashier’s point.
In a recent incident in Tamworth, a worker reported that shoplifters took full advantage of the stalls near the entrance, stealing painkillers and tablets. The employee said, “It happened in an instant. We didn’t have time to react, and all of the medication was gone.”
They added: “Our shop suffered badly because of it.”
To protect local businesses from shoplifters, Derbyshire Constabulary has compiled a list of measures to secure your shop.
They suggest that employers dealing with shoplifters to always be aware of their movements and actions. Making eye contact with potential thieves and greeting them as regular customers would make them less comfortable as they feel spotted and watched.
Ensure that all the workers have conducted a risk assessment in conjunction with Health and safety directions to know what to do in case of stealing and how to spot the potential crime on instance.
The shoplifters are targeting shops with one member of staff to avoid dealing with too many witnesses when spotted. Having multiple workers would help with distracting thieves from the shop, giving it a safer environment atmosphere with more money and connections.
