Retailers across the UK are facing record levels of violence and abuse, but a recent survey has revealed an unexpected and frustrating challenge: a surge in middle-class shoplifters. While theft has traditionally been associated with financial hardship, many of these new offenders are not stealing out of desperation but rather a warped sense of entitlement. With self-service checkouts making theft easier than ever, shoplifting has become a growing problem in affluent communities, forcing retailers to rethink their approach to security and customer trust.
