Shoplifting across the West Midlands has surged by 30.2 per cent over the past two years, with 31,620 offences recorded in the year ending March 2026. This rise is part of a broader increase in business crime, which totalled 55,271 offences in the same period, marking a 2.6 per cent increase.
Police improvements in solving crimes
Despite the rise in incidents, police have achieved significant improvements in solving these crimes. Positive outcomes for victims increased to 30 per cent, up 15.6 per cent from March 2024. The improvement reflects 'targeted activity aimed at bringing more offenders to justice', according to a report to the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's board. Business confidence in reporting crimes has also increased.
Shift in policing approach
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Andy Parsons acknowledged that shop-related crime had not previously been treated 'on a similar par to other areas of crime investigated by West Midlands Police'. He said the force had 'taken significant steps to address that'. Police are now focusing on tackling the root causes of shoplifting rather than just punishment. Many offenders commit crimes 'not for financial gain, but to fund an addiction of either drink or drugs', Parsons explained.
New offender-to-recovery programme
A new offender-to-recovery programme is being rolled out across all seven local policing areas to address these underlying issues. The programme aims to help offenders overcome addiction and reduce reoffending, ultimately making communities safer.
