A crackdown on shoplifting and assaults on retail staff in Scotland has caught more than 800 offenders, including 39 organised gangs.
In the first nine months since the Retail Crime Taskforce was launched there have been 3,671 shoplifting charges and detections.
A further 508 charges were for offences against retail workers. In total 807 arrests were made.
During a visit to the Gyle shopping centre in Edinburgh, Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Shop workers deserve to feel safe, and retailers deserve to trade without fear of shoplifting.
“In less than a year, Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce has provided a visible and measurable impact on retail crime, working directly with retailers to prevent offending, pursue criminals, and protect shop workers.”
The campaign was backed by a £3 million investment, and the Scottish Government has committed a further £9m over three years.
Mark Millar, director of stores for Boots in Scotland, said: “Tackling retail crime is a collaborative effort, so we are fully committed to working with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to ensure that our retail stores and high streets remain vibrant, welcoming, and safe environments for our store teams and customers.
“As an active member of the Retail Crime Taskforce since its inception, we welcome this funding which will strengthen our ability to share intelligence between Police and disrupt public offenders.”
Tim Mairs, assistant chief constable, Police Scotland, said: “Since April 2025, the Retail Crime Taskforce has assisted local policing divisions across the country in tackling retail offences and bringing those responsible to justice.
“During this time over 3,600 crimes have been detected and more than 800 arrests made as a direct result of Taskforce-supported enforcement activity.
“In addition, our commitment to crime prevention has seen us liaise with numerous outlets throughout Scotland to offer specialist advice aimed at improving security and enhancing the safety of retail workers.
“The additional three-year funding we have received from Scottish Government is recognition of the significant progress made in the last nine months, but we know more must be done to tackle retail crime and we will not become complacent in our efforts to reduce crimes such as shoplifting and the assault and harassment of retail workers.”
Key figures
3,671 shoplifting charges and detections
508 charges under the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Act 2021 for offences against retail workers
807 arrests
2,100 suspects identified by the Taskforce
39 Organised Crime Groups identified
82 disruptions against Organised Crime Groups
1,060 intelligence logs submitted
233 electronic briefings disseminated to partners and local divisions.
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