Wed, 19 Nov 2025

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 Time taken to bring shoplifters to justice is 'unacceptable', retailers tell BBC

The BBC followed a series of shoplifting cases which highlight how shops have waited months for thieves to be brought to justice.

* Average time taken from offence to completion in magistrates' court has risen by over 80% in last 10 years, from 32 days in 2014 to 59 days in 2024
* Trade bodies representing retailers say delays reduce shopkeepers' faith in the justice system and make them less likely to report crimes
* In one case, a thief stole £2,000 worth of Jellycat soft toys from four stores across southwest England and one in Wales before being sentenced to 12-month community order
* Average time taken for serious shop thefts to be heard at crown court has increased from 111 days in 2016 to 128 days in 2024
* Shoplifting has increased by 13% in last year, with estimated £133 cost added to average UK household's shopping bill each year
  >>