Nearly 4,000 shop workers were attacked in Scotland in 2024 amid a “climate of fear” in the retail sector, according to an industry report.
There were 170 incidents of violence or abuse towards shop staff every day on average over the year 2023/2024, with nearly 4,000 violent attacks, as Scottish Retail Consortium figures warn of “a climate of fear” on the high street.
The picture is reflected across the wider UK – with chiefs saying retail crime is “spiralling out of control.”
Shop theft also cost Scottish retailers an estimated £170m last year.
Experts say many incidents are linked to organised crime, with gangs systematically targeting stores across the country, stealing tens of thousands of pounds worth of goods and rotating around multiple stores.
It comes after the Scottish Government announced £3m in funding towards tackling retail crime in 2025/2026.
SuppliedBusinesses in the affluent area of Morningside have reported a small rise in thefts over the last few months.
Specsavers retail director Joe Al-Ubaid said: “It’s certainly increased here in the last few months. Simple hit incidents, opportunists grabbing things and running away.
“It’s changing the way we think about security in general.
“You have to be aware of the risks in this industry. We’ve installed panic buttons directly linked to the police.”
“We need to make sure staff can work safely.”
“Our local police are trying their best in the circumstances. It affects us financially, stock disappearing. It’s certainly prevalent.”
STV NewsJoe said the businesses in the area all work together to ensure their community is safe.
“We let each other know when things are happening and help each other out,” he added. “There’s a great community spirit in Morningside.”
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Shockingly, retail crime continues to skyrocket. We estimate there were 170 incidents of violence or abuse to Scottish shopworkers every day last year; with nearly 4,000 violent attacks in the last year.
“Theft costs Scottish retailers £170m last year. That leads to customers having to face both higher prices and more inconvenient shopping as retailers have to mitigate the costs and shrinkage resulting from this criminal behaviour.
“It’s not acceptable that retail staff in Scotland have to operate in this climate of fear. Whilst the recent Budget announcement of £3m to help tackle retail crime is a good start, the reality is a much greater effort is needed across the criminal justice system to get this situation under control and protect workers and customers.”
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
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