In the last year police have recorded over half a million incidents of retail crime, including shop theft and violence against staff.
","secondaryDescription":"This was an increase of 5% from the previous year. Members of the Association of Convenience Stores and British Independent Retail Association have warned of a significant increase in organised crime on UK high streets. Targeted and high volume thefts are causing significant financial losses and increased costs of prevention measures, estimated at £985 million in 2026. The Home Affairs Committee will question representatives of these industry bodies about the reality of crime on the high street for their members.
\r\nThe Committee will also question the Head of OPAL, the national intelligence unit dealing with serious organised acquisitive crime, at the National Police Chief’s Council about the police response. This will examine the approach police forces take at a local level and ask if sufficient priority is given to tackling retail crime. It will also look at the steps being taken at a national strategic level to improve the policing response.
\r\nIllegal trading on the high street harms legitimate businesses and damages consumer confidence in shopping in town centres. These businesses can exhibit a range of illegality including the sale of illicit or harmful goods, illegal working, money laundering and tax evasion. Common types of businesses believed to be involved in these crimes include vape stores, car washes and American candy stores but can include a range of other business types.
\r\nThe Committee will question representatives of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, a professional association representing trading standards and consumer protection, about the impact of this criminality and the response of law enforcement. This will include how trading standards is uncovering and prosecuting crimes, and their role in the wider law enforcement response.
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