Shocking new figures released by the Association of Convenience Stores show a a 409% increase in shoplifting in convenience stores.

The scale of the crisis blighting communities was highlighted in the trade body's 2024 Crime Report, published today (March 4).

The report highlights that retailers believe that organised crime is to blame. 76% of them say that targeting by gangs stealing to order and looting has become more prevalent over the past year.

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said he was "shocked but not surprised by the findings as it chimes with everything local shopkeepers tell me".

In response to desperate pleas for help earlier this year, Mr Norris set up Safer Shops West. This enables independent shops based in the West of England to access grant of up to £2000 to install vital security measures.

Worryingly the report also shows that cases of violence against shop workers has increased with shop lifting being the top trigger for abuse.

Dan Norris continued: "Criminals are getting away with stealing goods and abusing and assaulting shopworkers. This crime wave is also putting up the prices of everyday goods in local shops during a cost-of-living crisis."

The ACS says current levels of shop lifting equate to a 10p 'crime tax' on every transaction that takes in stores.

Mr Norris continued: "I'm doing all I can at a regional level to begin the crime fightback with Safer Shops West. But the government needs to act too."

ACS CEO James Lowman said: "Retailers are facing an onslaught of crime committed against their businesses on a daily basis, with some losing tens of thousands of pounds per year to theft alone. This extended crimewave cannot be allowed to continue. Thieves are known to the community and to the police but they simply do not care, and continue on regardless, filling baskets and trolleys and walking out without fear of reproach."

"Safer Shops West" allows independent shops to receive £2,000 towards the costs of security measures such as CCTV, screens, body cams and hand-held radios. Apply at https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/information-for-businesses/safershopswest/.