Shoplifting in Wales has surged, with over 2,000 violent incidents reported. Retailers are calling for urgent action to protect staff and customers from this alarming trend.

Cardiff: Last year, shop workers in Wales faced over 2,000 violent attacks. This shocking rise in shoplifting has everyone worried.
Retail crime is spiraling out of control. Offenders are getting bolder, stealing openly in front of customers. It’s called “kamikaze” shoplifting, and it’s becoming a real problem.
Just last month, two guys kicked down a phone stand in a busy store. They didn’t care who saw them. It’s wild how brazen some of these thieves have become.
The Welsh Retail Consortium reported that there are about 100 violent incidents every day. That’s a staggering number! In the past year, thefts in the UK jumped by 3.7 million, costing retailers a whopping £2 billion.
Sara Jones from the Welsh Retail Consortium said this is affecting everyone. Retailers are losing £100 million a year, which means higher prices for customers. It’s a tough situation for both shoppers and staff.
She emphasized that it’s unacceptable for workers to feel scared at their jobs. While the government’s recent £3 million budget to tackle this issue is a start, much more needs to be done.
Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive, pointed out that organized gangs are often behind these thefts. She noted that thieves feel they can act without consequences, which is alarming.
Social media is full of videos showing these thefts happening right in front of store staff. Often, workers are told not to intervene for their safety, which is just sad.
This year, the government introduced a plan to help police respond better to these incidents. They’re focusing on violent situations and sharing intelligence to tackle these gangs.
WalesOnline has also started a WhatsApp community for breaking news and updates. It’s a great way to stay informed about what’s happening in Wales.