It is the first time since current records began in 2002/03 that the number recorded by police has risen higher than 400,000.
Shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales have risen to the highest level in 20 years, surpassing figures seen before the coronavirus pandemic for the first time.
Some 402,482 offences were recorded in the year to September 2023, up nearly a third (32%) on 304,459 in the previous 12 months, data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday shows.
It is the first time since current records began in 2002/03 that the number recorded by police has risen higher than 400,000 and is above pre-pandemic levels.
The previous peak of 382,643 was recorded in the year to March 2018.
Catherine Grant, from the ONS, said there was a “mixed picture of crime” but police recorded crime is showing “notable increases in some theft offences, including shoplifting” as well as a rise in thefts of motor vehicles.
It comes after major retailers raised concerns about the rising cost of theft.
