Violence on the UK high street has surged to alarming levels, with one in 10 retailers reporting that staff have been threatened by a weapon-wielding thug in the past year. The findings, from exclusive data obtained by the Daily Express' Stop The Shoplifters crusade from insurer NFU Mutual, reveal that 80% of retailers have suffered crime in the last 12 months. Three-quarters of retailers say crime continues to rise despite increased government promises.
Weapons and Physical Assault Becoming Common
Brazen criminals are routinely using weapons to intimidate staff while stealing goods. More than one in 10 retailers revealed employees were threatened with weapons in the last year, and one in 20 said staff were actually attacked with them. One in six retailers were physically abused by offenders, and 45% suffered verbal assault.
Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “Once again, our research into this ongoing scourge highlights the daily issues and problems the hard-working retailers up and down the country are facing. It is perhaps no surprise to see that three-quarters of those surveyed believe retail crime has increased over the last 12 months, with almost half of those saying it had risen substantially. The fact that just 4% thought it had decreased speaks volumes.”
Rural Village Store Targeted Twice
In Bildeston, Suffolk, Phillip Alcoe, 62, has run Bildeston Village Stores and Post Office since 2017 with his wife Helen. After seven years without trouble, thieves struck in February 2024, using a hammer to smash the glass door and stealing cigarettes and alcohol. Despite installing bullet-proof glass, the store was hit again nearly two years later, with an offender using a “kung-fu kick” to break in while Phillip's family was staying upstairs.
“It’s a massive invasion of privacy,” Phillip said. “We put so much pride and effort to running a retail shop – working 90-hour weeks. My wife and I work flat out and to have it destroyed just like that is the most soul-destroying feeling you can get.” He has spent £10,000 on additional security but refuses to close: “Am I going to sell the shop, though, and get out because of this? Absolutely not. Some of the people in that shop have worked there for 40 years.”
Repeat Victims and Financial Toll
Among common crimes are shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage. A quarter of retailers also reported employee theft. The average cost of crime over 12 months was £46,500, with one in 20 losing more than £200,000. Repeat victimisation is widespread: 77% were targeted multiple times, and 28% suffered more than six incidents.
Zoe Knight added: “Brazen criminals continue to cause havoc for the industry and even resort to violence against honest people trying to serve their community. We would always recommend additional security – both physical and technological – where possible and investing in adequate cover to ensure a good level of protection for your business.”
