Shop owners are increasing security measures and locking doors during business hours due to a persistent rise in shoplifting incidents, which remain above pre-pandemic levels. Home Office figures indicate that shoplifting offenses in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex reached 42,674 in 2025/26, a significant increase from 28,048 in 2019/20.
Paige Mengers, who owns a designer boutique in Surrey, described how her store was targeted in January 2025 by individuals who cut wires on merchandise bags. The incident led to the loss of valuable stock and prompted her to enhance security, including temporarily stationing security personnel at her stores. "It was absolutely awful, I lost two very good members of staff who were terrified after that," Mengers stated. "We were really shaken and for about six months I had security on the doors for our staff."
Law enforcement officials note that the methods employed by shoplifting groups are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Inspector Chris Thoday of Elmbridge police described these groups as "very organised, they know exactly what they are doing." He added that offenders often conduct reconnaissance of shops before executing thefts to ensure a swift exit. "Quite often they will recce the shops beforehand, then go in afterwards, steal the items they want to take, to make sure they're in and out as quickly as possible," Thoday explained.
Rural businesses are also experiencing significant losses. Andrew Gibson, director at Gibson's Farm Shop in Wingham, Kent, reported thousands of pounds in losses over a year due to thefts of high-value goods like meat and alcohol. "We're getting small gangs come in or individuals to steal high value goods, either meat products, meat joints or alcohol," Gibson said. He observed that thieves sometimes survey CCTV camera locations and have used trolleys or prams to facilitate larger thefts.
In response to rising crime, police forces are enhancing their methods for identifying and apprehending offenders. In Canterbury, a dedicated team utilizes CCTV footage and facial recognition technology to identify suspects who are on databases. Paul Stoner, district commander for police in the city, noted that a small number of individuals are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime. "It's a set few individuals who commit a disproportionate amount of that crime," he said.
Collaborative efforts between businesses and law enforcement are also playing a role. The Canterbury Business Improvement District (Bid) operates a scheme involving 137 radios that connect retailers with police and the city council's CCTV control center. This real-time communication allows for swift reporting of incidents, aiming to prevent crimes as they unfold. Lisa Carlson, chief executive of Canterbury Bid, highlighted the initiative's success in training businesses to gather and submit evidence effectively. "We have 137 radios in circulation, if there is an incident unfolding it can be reported in real time and hopefully we can avoid any crime happening," Carlson stated.