Consumers across the UK would back tougher action to tackle shoplifting, including the use of facial recognition technology and banning repeat offenders from returning to shops.
According to a survey of 1,000 UK adults conducted by The Harris Poll UK, 85 per cent of shopppers support restriction zones preventing repeat offenders from returning to shops while 82 per cent say shoplifting is not a victimless crime and harms businesses and staff.
81 per cent support tougher punishments for shoplifters while 79 per cent believe shoplifting is mostly carried out by repeat offenders. 78 per cent think offenders exploit weak enforcement from police and the law and 77 per cent support facial recognition and AI to alert staff to repeat offenders, shows the survey.
About 73 per cent believe shoplifting often involves intimidation or threats towards staff, the survey adds.
The findings reveal strong public concern about the impact of retail crime, with the vast majority of consumers saying shoplifting is not a harmless offence.
More than eight in ten people (82 per cent) agree that shoplifting is not a victimless crime and has real consequences for businesses and retail workers.
Consumers want tougher action on repeat offenders
One of the strongest views among consumers is around repeat offenders. An overwhelming 85% support the idea of restriction zones that would prevent known shoplifters from returning to stores they have previously targeted.
This measure received the highest level of agreement among all statements in the research, suggesting consumers want stronger deterrents against repeat retail crime.
Nearly four in five respondents (79%) believe shoplifting is mostly carried out by repeat offenders, while 78% say offenders are taking advantage of weak enforcement from the police and legal system.
Public open to facial recognition and AI technology
As concern about retail crime grows, consumers are also showing surprising support for the use of new technology to help retailers identify repeat offenders.
More than three quarters of people (77%) agree that facial recognition and AI technology should be used to alert shop staff when repeat shoplifters enter stores.
While facial recognition technology can often spark debate around privacy, the findings suggest many consumers see it as a useful tool to help prevent repeat theft and improve safety in retail environments.
Retail staff safety is a growing concern
Retail worker safety also appears to be a major factor shaping public attitudes.
Almost three quarters of respondents (73%) believe shoplifting is often associated with intimidation or threats towards staff, highlighting the wider impact of retail crime beyond stolen goods.
At the same time, many consumers believe retailers themselves could do more to prevent shoplifting. Around 68% say stores should be taking stronger steps to reduce theft, whether through improved security, better staff protection or the use of new technologies.
Steve Brockway, Chief Research Officer at the Harris Poll UK, said: "Consumers clearly recognise that shoplifting has real consequences for businesses and the people working in stores. The strong support for banning repeat offenders from shops shows that many people believe tougher preventative measures are needed.
"What’s also particularly interesting is the level of support for technology like facial recognition to identify repeat offenders. While it can sometimes be seen as controversial, many consumers appear to view it as a practical way to help retailers identify repeat offenders and protect staff.
"This demonstrates that when AI is seen as helping reduce crime, rather than a surveillance gathering tool, the outcomes are reframed for consumers.”
The findings come amid increasing concern about retail crime across the UK, with retailers warning that shoplifting is placing growing pressure on businesses and employees.
For many consumers, the issue goes beyond the loss of goods. The research suggests the public is increasingly aware of the wider consequences for staff safety, store security and the overall shopping experience.