In 2023, Greater Manchester saw a significant increase in shoplifting convictions, second only to London, with 2,011 shoplifters convicted. However, four out of five of these individuals avoided prison sentences.

Shoplifting in the UK has reached its highest rate on record, averaging around 900 incidents per hour and resulting in £1.8 billion in stolen goods. Despite tougher court measures, only 20% of shoplifters in Greater Manchester received immediate jail sentences, compared to the national average of 27.7%.

This rate is the highest since data collection began in 2010, a time when only 16.9% faced imprisonment.

Convicted shoplifters in England typically receive average jail sentences of just over two months, a figure that has remained mostly unchanged over the past five years.

As for fines, the average penalty has risen to £110; however, in Greater Manchester, it is slightly lower at £99.

The likelihood and length of imprisonment vary significantly across the UK. In the Surrey area, only 14% of convicted shoplifters were jailed, with similar low rates in Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, and North Wales, at 19%.

Conversely, South Wales had the highest incarceration rate, with 40% of shoplifters sentenced to jail. Derbyshire followed closely with a 39% rate.

The maximum prison sentence for shoplifting is seven years if the value of stolen goods exceeds £200; otherwise, it is six months. Factors such as business harm, threats to employees, and property damage affect sentencing.

Judges are more inclined to impose prison sentences on repeat offenders or those posing a danger to the public. Conversely, a reasonable chance of rehabilitation may lead to alternative sentencing.

Warwickshire recorded the longest average jail terms for shoplifters at 4.8 months. In stark contrast, Northamptonshire and North Wales had the shortest average sentences of 1.0 and 1.1 months, respectively.

Suffolk reported the highest average fines at £187, while Cleveland had the lowest at £77. An investigative report by Channel 4’s Dispatches uncovered a black market for shoplifted goods and highlighted the rise in shoplifting offences.

In response, the police implemented a Retail Crime Action plan, with governmental funding targeted towards organized shoplifting crime.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson announced plans to create a new offense for assaulting retail workers and to eliminate the current immunity for theft of goods valued under £200. She also intends to establish a regular Retail Crime Forum to address trends and solutions involving retail leaders and police officials.