Shopkeepers call for tougher punishments as Edinburgh's shoplifting figures soar
Shopkeepers say they have “got to have each others backs” as shoplifting becomes increasingly common
Shop owners have described feeling helpless in the face of skyrocketing reports of shoplifting in the city and are now demanding more be done to stamp out the issue.
Reports of shoplifting are now 3.5 times higher than they were in 2022, according to newly released figures from the Scottish Government.
A total of 11,409 incidents were reported to Police Scotland in the year up to June 2026 alone, making it the most reported type of crime in Edinburgh.
"The rise is there and the law needs to be changed,” said Muirhouse Post Office owner Urfan Hussain.
Often seen jokingly brandishing a bat on his social media in a bid to scare away would-be thieves, the “bossman” said his store is targeted multiple times a week.
He said: "People just go in and fill up a bag, and security guards have to let them go because they are not allowed to do anything.
"I know some people don't agree with it but I like to name and shame people, that's the best way. Believe it or not, two out of three people come back.”
Mr Hussain said shopkeepers are forced to take matters into their own hands like this because the police “don’t bother”.
“There needs to be tougher punishment rather than just a slap on the hand.”
Marchmont Hardware’s Kayleigh Phillips said there needs to be more consequences for shoplifters, adding that even after being charged thieves “felt bold enough” to return to the family-run business two more times.
“It’s terrifying to be honest with you. Since we’ve had an influx of shoplifters I’m very cautious about who comes into the shop and I grab my keys just in case because it’s just me and my mum in the shop and I’m 24 years-old,” she said.
Miss Phillips said the store, Edinburgh’s oldest hardware and pet shop, did not need to have CCTV cameras ten years ago but has since had to install them.
In one incident, a thief made off with over £100 of cookware ranging from frying pans to pastry brushes and a wooden spoon.
She said shop owners “have all now got to have each other's backs”, with the nine out of ten of the messages on the local business group chat being warnings about shoplifters.
Retail leaders suggest the dramatic rise in official figures may partly reflect improved crime reporting by shoplifters trying to hold culprits accountable.
Speaking in June, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "Shop theft continues to be an epidemic with hundreds of incidents a day. It’s a key factor behind rising levels of abuse and threats towards shop workers and we know from member feedback that thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive.
“Retailers are starting to increase reporting in the hope Police Scotland will be able to respond more effectively than in the past... that doesn't obviate the need for more action.”
An 18-person Retail Crime Task Force was set up by the Scottish Government in March last year across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Lanarkshire to help bring down rising figures.
“The Retail Crime Task Force and local officers are committed to working with retailers, partners and the public to tackle shoplifting and theft,” Local Community Inspector Paul Begley previously said.