Shoplifting charges in county up 465% in two years

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed the "significant improvement"

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people charged with shoplifting, according to Surrey Police.

Since 2023, there has been a 465% increase in charges for the offence, the force said.

Up to November 2025, there had been 1,347 charges in connection to retail theft, an increase of 1,109 on the total for the whole of 2023.

It follows the launch of a retail crime strategy in the spring, in which Surrey Police promised a more thorough response and investigation into reports of shoplifting.

The force said it aimed to increase the rate of shoplifting charges by 430 by August 2026.

It also said that 27.3% of the reports it received ended up in a "solved outcome", which could be a charge, a summons, community service of a caution.

Surrey Police Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said tackling retail crime was a priority

Ch Insp Andy Hill said: "While the statistics show we are going in the right direction, it's important to remember that at the heart of every offence are real victims who may be deeply affected.

"We must continue to do the right thing for every one of them."

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Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: "Retailers are feeling demoralised, exhausted and, in some cases, frightened.

"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.

"The overall picture in Surrey is one of significant improvement, although there is still a long road ahead to get to where we need to be."

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