A special taskforce launched to crackdown on shoplifting and assaults on retail staff in Scotland has caught over 800 offenders and almost 40 organised gangs.
Launched nine months ago, the Retail Crime Taskforce has recorded 3,671 shoplifting charges and detections and 508 charges for offences committed against retail workers.
During a visit to a shopping centre in Edinburgh, Daily Business reports, 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 taskforce was launched with an initial £3million investment, with the Scottish government promising an additional £9million over a three-year period.
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.”