LONDON

Shoplifting offenses in England and Wales have surged to a 20-year high, according to figures Thursday from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

A total of 469,788 incidents were recorded by police in the year leading up to June 2024 -- a 29% increase from the 365,173 registered in the previous 12 months.

The surge represents the highest number of shoplifting incidents since records began in March 2003.

Retailers have voiced concerns about the rising trend, which they said is contributing to an alarming spike in violence against workers.

Industry leaders are demanding immediate action to tackle the problem of retail crime.

With the theft numbers climbing, businesses are increasingly worried about the safety of employees and the long-term effect on their operations.

The Retail Trust charity said nearly half of the 1,200 retail workers they surveyed are concerned for their safety, with more than one-third considering leaving their jobs or the retail sector altogether due to increasing violence and abuse.

Chris Brook-Carter, the charity's chief executive, described the situation as "both horrifying and heartbreaking."

"We regularly hear stories of workers being spat on, having products deliberately destroyed in front of them, and being filmed by aggressive shoppers who threaten to post the videos on social media," he added.