The data points: Retail crime is escalating across the UK, creating significant challenges for both retailers and workers.

• Nearly a quarter (24%) of consumers have witnessed shoplifting in the past year, while 23% have seen verbal or physical abuse directed at shop workers, according to a British Retail Consortium survey conducted by Opinium.
• Nottingham has emerged as the UK’s top retail crime hotspot, with 32% of residents reporting shoplifting incidents. London follows closely behind at 29%, underscoring the growing risks faced by retailers nationwide.