Shoplifting Surge in Salford Leaves Retail Workers Exhausted as Thefts Rise Fivefold per Shift

A retail crime wave is sweeping through Salford, with frontline shop workers reporting an alarming rise in shoplifting — claiming theft now occurs as often as five times per shift. This sharp increase comes as official data reveals a 38% rise in shoplifting incidents across the city, nearly double the national average.

The increase has left supermarket employees, charity shop managers, and independent business owners overwhelmed, with many saying they’ve lost faith in effective law enforcement response. Behind the statistics lies a troubling day-to-day reality — one where shoplifting is no longer rare, but routine.

Salford Sees Highest Increase in Shoplifting Across Greater Manchester

While overall crime in Salford dropped by 8% between 2023 and 2024 — a more significant decline than the 2% national average — the reduction masks a growing crisis. Categories such as robbery, sexual assault, drug offences, and especially shoplifting have all seen above-average increases, with shoplifting leading the surge.

Across England and Wales, shoplifting soared to over half a million recorded cases in 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year — the highest since records began in 2003. But Salford’s 38% rise has made it the worst-hit borough in Greater Manchester.

Inside the Front Line of Retail Theft

Andrew’s Story — Theft Every 90 Minutes

Andrew*, a 23-year-old student working at a major supermarket in Salford, describes his shifts as a constant battle against petty theft.

“We average about five thefts per shift — that’s one every hour and a half,” he explains. “It’s just expected now.”

Even everyday items are under lock and key. Steaks, coffee, household goods — all removed from shelves and kept behind counters.

“We used to have steaks in security boxes, but people stole the boxes too. It got too expensive to replace them, so now customers have to ask staff to access certain products.”

Andrew says the store even had to remove shopping baskets from the entrance.

“People used to just fill baskets and run out. One week last year, we lost every single basket, every day.”

He believes a group of around 20 men, mostly in their 40s, are responsible for repeated thefts, taking resellable items like chocolate, meat, and cheese — possibly on “orders” from a nearby pub.

“They’re not stealing out of desperation. It’s calculated. And though incidents are reported, police response is inconsistent — often just phone calls and case files, but rarely any direct action.”

Theft from Charity Shops — A Cruel Blow

Rebecca Elliot’s Experience at a Local Charity Store

Rebecca Elliot, 48, manages a YMCA charity shop in Ordsall and has watched thefts rise sharply over the past three years.

“It’s infuriating,” she says. “This isn’t just theft — it’s stealing from children who rely on this charity to build their futures.”

From sunglasses to silver rings, and even entire shelves of Xbox and PlayStation games, Rebecca has seen it all. One man even returned days later wearing the same clothes he had stolen.

“We don’t even call the police anymore. We report incidents through a shared system that builds a case over time. If the offender is persistent, we can get a banning order — but that takes strong evidence.”

“Shoplifting is no longer about necessity — it’s opportunistic. A way to make a quick £20 or £30.”

Independent Shops Hit Harder

Ali’s Phone Shop Under Constant Threat

Ali, who manages a mobile phone shop near Salford Shopping Centre, says theft has forced him to lock every item away.

“No one sees a phone unless they’re standing on my side of the desk,” he says. “Too many ran off with display phones pretending to browse.”

Ali has stopped calling police altogether in most cases.

“It’s a waste of time. I file a report, and then I get a message saying ‘no further action.’ Even when a group of teenagers got aggressive and later returned to egg my window, I didn’t bother calling.”

Police Acknowledge Challenges but Point to Progress

Despite widespread frustration, police maintain that retail crime remains a top priority.

A spokesperson stated that arrests and charges are increasing, and the force is continuing to strengthen partnerships with local businesses.

“We understand the frustrations,” said a senior officer. “Whether you work in a major supermarket or a small corner shop, we are here for you.”

Authorities are urging business owners to report incidents directly to their local neighbourhood policing teams, who are best placed to respond and support.

The Bigger Picture — A City Struggling with Routine Crime

Salford’s rise in shoplifting paints a worrying picture of urban crime in 2025. Despite large-scale police operations and visible enforcement during incidents like the recent riots, everyday crimes like shoplifting continue to drain resources and endanger livelihoods.

Retail workers like Andrew, charity managers like Rebecca, and small business owners like Ali are united in one message — they’re tired, disillusioned, and feel unsupported.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues and stolen goods are openly resold, many fear this new "normal" could spiral further — unless urgent, coordinated action is taken.

Have you been affected by shoplifting in your community?
📞 To report an incident, call 101 or dial 999 in emergencies.
You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

*Name changed to protect identity.