A growing number of middle-class professionals in London are resorting to shoplifting, with self-service checkouts and the cost-of-living crisis fuelling the trend. Emma, a 37-year-old PR from south London, admits to regularly stealing high-value items like smoked salmon and blueberries from supermarkets. 'I do it nearly every time I go shopping,' she says. 'No one has ever noticed or stopped me.'
Archie Norman, chairman of Marks & Spencer, recently blamed affluent customers for the rise in retail crime, citing reduced service and a sense of entitlement. In October, shoplifting offences hit a record high of 1,000 per day, costing retailers £953 million annually. John Lewis boss Sharon White described it as an 'epidemic'.
Professor Emmeline Taylor of City, University of London, calls these offenders 'Swipers' — Seemingly Well-Intentioned Patrons Engaging in Regular Shoplifting. She notes the trend has grown since self-service checkouts were introduced, worsened by the cost-of-living crisis. 'Even wealthier people are feeling the pinch,' she says. 'They think helping themselves to a few high-value items is the answer.'
Many middle-class shoplifters start by accident and escalate. Emma began during the pandemic while on maternity leave. 'Shops were chaotic,' she recalls. 'It became second nature.' Taylor says offenders often use excuses like blaming supermarkets for high prices. For well-dressed professionals, the risk is minimal: 'They know if caught, they could say 'how silly of me' and nothing would happen.'
However, not all escape consequences. Joe, a 42-year-old PR from Tottenham, was caught stealing sandwiches from Boots. A security guard took his photo and banned him from the store for life. 'I totally panicked,' he says. The incident highlights that even middle-class shoplifters can face repercussions.
