Retail crime report 2025

In 2025, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and retail crime leads from Surrey Police asked the business community to have their say in a wide-ranging survey.

The results of that survey, along with Surrey Police’s retail crime strategy, have now been published in a new report.

Respondents to the survey shared their experiences with retail crime, with some saying insurance premiums had gone up because of repeat incidents. Others said they felt unable to protect themselves from theft. 

Report published

In the spring, Surrey Police launched its Retail Crime Strategy, which commits the Force to attending reports where appropriate, following all reasonable lines of enquiry, targeting repeat offenders and tackling organised criminal networks. 

Over the past two years, reports of shoplifting in the county have risen. However, charges have also increased by 465 per cent.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to fill out the survey.

“The responses we had to our survey demonstrated very clearly the impact that retail crime has on the business community in Surrey. 

“Retailers are feeling demoralised, exhausted and, in some cases, frightened. It is not acceptable that anyone trying simply to do their job should be targeted by criminals. 

“Not acceptable”

“Retail crime often goes hand-in-hand with other serious offending, including abuse, threats and violence, as well as organised criminality. 

“Its victims include every one of us impacted by rising costs, as well as entire communities who feel less safe. 

“It is vital that it is taken seriously.”

Use the links below to view the retail crime report, download the PDF or learn more: