'Shoplifting rising amid soaring cost-of-living crisis'

Supermarkets have seen a rise in thefts in response to the rising cost-of-living crisis, says recent new research, revealing that more than a third of people surveyed admitted having shoplifted products.

According to My Favourite Voucher Codes, theft cases have risen by 22 per cent as the cost of living escalates in the country. Of 2,584 shoppers surveyed, 34 per cent admitted to having stolen products at self-service checkouts in the last year. Over two thirds of those (69 per cent) agreed that price increases on supermarket products was the main factor behind their shoplifting.

The most frequently stolen items included toiletries, hygiene products, fruit and vegetables, baby formula and confectionery. As of 12 June, inflation of grocery products has reached 8.3 per cent according to Kantar data, its highest level since April 2009.

While figures show the average shoplifter stole £27 worth of products within the past year, the Southwest, Northeast and Northwest have all seen average thefts of over £30.

“Theft, in any measure, is not something that can be condoned. But the findings do highlight the drastic situation many have found themselves in during this cost-of-living crisis,” reports quoted My Favourite Voucher Codes managing director, Julian House, as saying.

“Such a high proportion are suggesting they are stealing necessary items that they simply cannot afford.”

“This speaks to a societal and economic issue that simply must be addressed in greater measures than it currently is.”

The research comes as it was reported that some supermarkets have started adding security tags to everyday grocery items, in addition to products usually protected such as alcohol and cosmetics. The tags trigger an alarm if not removed by staff before being taken from a store. Some Asda stores have also seen Lurpak under stronger security measures as the butter brand has risen in price across supermarkets.