Our shop doors are locked during opening hours after theft
Summary
Shoplifting in parts of England has increased since before the pandemic, leading some stores to increase security measures like locking doors during business hours. Police say the thefts are done by organized groups who plan their thefts carefully, sometimes filming items to steal and using tricks like hiding goods in prams.Key Facts
- Shoplifting crimes in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex rose from 28,048 in 2019/20 to 42,674 in 2025/26.
- Overall crime in England and Wales dropped 4% last year, but more suspects were charged.
- Boutique owner Paige Mengers keeps her store doors locked during open hours after a theft involving wire cutters.
- Police say theft groups are well organized, scouting shops before stealing specific items quickly.
- Some shops use lone worker alarms to protect staff working alone at night.
- Rural shops also face theft, with gangs stealing high-value products like meat and alcohol.
- Social media is used by some business owners to identify and shame thieves.
- Police in Canterbury set up a special retail crime team to deal with repeat offenders.
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