Stacey Dooley delves into the troubling question of whether we are evolving into a nation of shoplifters in her latest documentary. The presenter admits to her own past as a teenage shoplifter, stealing beauty products like eyeliner and mascara when she was just 13 or 14 years old. She acknowledges that there was no justification for her actions and emphasizes that her behavior was entirely self-centered.
Over the course of eight months, Dooley extensively investigated the escalating trend of shoplifting in the UK. The documentary sheds light on the alarming increase in retail theft, which coincides with a rise in violence and abuse towards shop workers, as reported by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). According to a recent survey conducted by the BRC with 2,000 participants, nearly a quarter (24%) of the UK population witnessed incidents of shoplifting in the 12 months leading up to February 2025.
In her documentary “Meet the Shoplifters,” Dooley explores the motivations of individuals who engage in shoplifting. Some view it as a form of rebellion against large corporations, while others resort to theft out of sheer desperation, like a mother who stole essential items like milk and bread for her child. The BRC’s Tom Holder expresses concern over the worsening situation of shoplifting in the UK, noting that people are becoming increasingly emboldened to commit theft without fearing repercussions.
The BRC survey also reveals that 23% of customers witnessed instances of physical or verbal abuse directed at shop staff in the same period. Dooley highlights the detrimental impact of shoplifting on retail workers, such as Dips from Manchester, who notes the escalating abuse experienced by staff. As incidents of theft and abuse are documented on social media, Dooley underscores the lasting repercussions on both victims and the wider community, urging a reconsideration of shopping habits and safety measures
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