Shoplifting in London TREBLED in last five years with conviction rate lowest in the country

The number of shoplifting cases in London grew by over 200% in the past five years, with the total number of cases triple what it was in 2020-2021. The number of cases resulting in a charge was the worst in the nation over that period, according to House of Commons Library data analysed by the Liberal Democrats.

There were 93,626 cases of shoplifting raised with the Metropolitan Police in 2024/2025 - up from 31,008 in 2020/2021. Of these, just 6,088 (6.5%) resulted in a charge - the lowest rate for any police force in the country.

The London Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to genuine community policing, and called on Sadiq Khan to act quickly to get the government to plug the enormous funding gap in the Met’s budget, which Commissioner Rowley suggested last year stood as high as £260mn. They have also said the Government should make a ‘Police Counter Promise’, which would guarantee a staffed police desk in communities across London.

It follows the announcement last year that twelve police front counters in London would shut completely and a further 25 would no longer operate on a 24-hour basis. The Liberal Democrats say a visible police presence would “rebuild public confidence”.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for London Luke Taylor MP said: 

“London is a city of brilliant shopkeepers - and these shocking numbers remind us that Sadiq Khan’s failure to get more funding for policing is hitting them hard.

“He promised us that he would be able to get more funds from a Labour government for vital services, but by some estimates there are 2,503 fewer police officers in London today than there were in May 2024.

“That’s fewer officers to walk our streets and deal with the crimes that blight lives and livelihoods like shoplifting.

“It is unacceptable that the hardworking people in our local stores are being left to fend for themselves. Our independent businesses are already fighting to survive rising costs and business rates, they shouldn't have to worry about shoplifting too. 

“We need more than just promises, the Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to real neighbourhood policing, with bobbies on the beat and dedicated police counters right here in London so that our fantastic local shoppers and shopkeepers are kept safe."