Dramatic increase in shop theft

As the cost of living crisis grinds on and seems to get deeper by the day, more Britons are turning to everyday crime to make ends meet.

The theft of meat, alcohol and sweets is at a decade level high. Last year more than 1.1mn incidents of theft were recorded. In the year before the figure was 970,000 according to a report by the Association of Convenience Stores.

Repeat offenders would appear to be stealing without fear of any reproach. The cost of living crisis, a rise in organised gang activity and thieving to support drug habits are blamed for the dramatic increases.

Some retailers are now starting to tag food items such as meat, cheese and even butter in an effort to prevent theft.