Theft forces charity shops to shut changing rooms

Shoplifting is surging in Sussex, the Office for National Statistics has found

A chain of charity shops has closed its changing rooms due to rampant shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

Guild Care, which has 15 stores across Sussex, said it had shut all but two of its changing rooms to deter thieves and that new shops would not include them at all.

"Unfortunately, shoplifting from our charity shops has become more widespread," said the Worthing-based chain's director of retail Adam Rider. "We’ve definitely seen a marked increase since Covid and the financial crisis."

Shoplifting in Sussex surged 52% in the year up to 2024, Office for National Statistics figures show.

'Very sad reflection on today’s society'

Mr Rider said two of the social care charity's shops had been broken into over the last two years, with thieves stealing donation tins off counters for the loose change.

"It’s shocking that anyone could think it’s acceptable to steal from a charity supporting the most vulnerable in our community," he said.

He told BBC Sussex that criminal behaviour was "distressing" for staff - many of whom are elderly volunteers - and taking away valuable revenue it could use for charitable causes.

"The issue is quite frankly getting a bit out of control," Mr Rider added.

Survey data by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers found 60% of shop workers across the retail sector had suffered violence, threats and abuse triggered by shoplifting and armed robbery.

Guild Care is based in Worthing, West Sussex

Guild Care - which operates stores in Crawley, Goring and Hove - said closing changing rooms had not impacted trade or revenue, although customers still asked for them.

The chain offers a seven-day refund policy so people can try on items at home.

The charity, which has been providing care in the local community for more than 90 years, supports the elderly, people living with dementia and children and adults with learning difficulties.

It assists some 3,000 people every day.