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Charities

Charity Shops Urged to Boost Security Amid Rising Shoplifting Cases

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Charity shops across the UK are grappling with an alarming increase in shoplifting incidents, with data from Dyfed-Powys Police showing a 21 percent surge in recorded shoplifting cases since 2020. In the past year alone, there were 1,868 shoplifting incidents recorded, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This concerning trend has prompted Ansvar Insurance, a specialist charity insurer, to urge charity shops to step up their security measures, highlighting the importance of protecting not only their premises and stock but also their volunteers. The Charity Retail Association has also reported a rise in shoplifting incidents, underscoring the need for charity shops to take proactive measures to prevent theft.

Key Takeaways:

  • A 21 percent increase in shoplifting incidents was recorded by Dyfed-Powys Police between 2020 and 2025, with 1,868 incidents occurring in the year ending June 2025 (ONS).
  • A survey by the Charity Retail Association found that most respondents experienced a rise in shoplifting over the last year, indicating an increasing problem for charities and their volunteers.
  • Ansvar Insurance, a specialist charity insurer, is calling for charity shops to implement five key security measures, including minimizing cash held on premises, providing security awareness training for staff and volunteers, and keeping high-value items in locked display cases.
  • The importance of having the right insurance protection and considering installing security equipment like CCTV cameras was stressed by Adam Tier, Ansvar's head of underwriting.
  • Charity shops rely on volunteers and operate on slim margins, making them particularly vulnerable to theft.
  • Every item stolen from a charity shop represents funds that could have been used for essential services, such as supporting vulnerable individuals, funding research, or providing community programs.

Statistics:

  • 21 percent increase in shoplifting incidents since 2020, as per Dyfed-Powys Police data.
  • 1,868 shoplifting incidents recorded by Dyfed-Powys Police in the year ending June 2025.
  • The Charity Retail Association reported a rise in shoplifting incidents among its respondents over the last year.
  • 80 percent of respondents to the Charity Retail Association survey experienced a rise in shoplifting.

Sources:

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • Dyfed-Powys Police
  • Charity Retail Association
  • Ansvar Insurance
  • Charity Times

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