Police in London are solving 50% more shoplifting cases in areas trialling new technology designed to rapidly identify suspects.
Technology allowing retailers to submit reports and CCTV footage instantly has been piloted in areas like Lewisham and central London since January.
According to the Metropolitan Police, providing officers with immediate access to high‑quality evidence at the point of reporting makes identifying repeat offenders operating across boroughs easier.
Since its rollout, the positive outcome rate – defined as an arrest, charge or conviction – is 21.4%, which is above the Met average of 14%.
Last year, the Met said it solved almost twice as many shoplifting offences and made almost 50% more arrests.
Met deputy commissioner Matt Jukes said: “Cracking down on shoplifting is a clear priority for the Met.
“By strengthening neighbourhood teams, using better intelligence and focusing on hotspot locations, we are arresting repeat offenders who cause the most harm to retail staff and local businesses.
“We’re also using new technology to work faster and more effectively, giving officers a much clearer picture of offending and helping build stronger cases.
“Where we have trialled this retail crime technology, more than one in five shoplifting cases are being solved.
“Strong partnership with retailers is essential. When crimes are reported promptly and CCTV is shared quickly, officers can take decisive action.”
Across London, shoplifting fell by 3.7% between April 1 2025 and March 31 this year, compared with the previous year.
Officers are able to identify around 80% of suspects via facial recognition software in cases where clear CCTV is provided, although only one in five cases are currently submitted with CCTV evidence.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “Backed by record funding from City Hall, we’re redoubling our efforts to crackdown on shoplifting and antisocial behaviour across London.
“Advances in technology are a real game changer – allowing retailers and shop staff to report shoplifting incidents remotely using digital platforms and send evidence such as CCTV footage in real-time to help police identify culprits, make arrests, and secure prosecutions.
“Latest figures show we’re making progress reducing shoplifting in London, but there’s more to do. The police will continue to work closely with businesses and use plain-clothed officers, extensive CCTV networks, and increased visible patrols to catch, arrest, and prosecute offenders, building a safer London for everyone.”
Earlier this month chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for tackling retail crime, said too many retailers were failing to assist police investigations into shoplifting by not providing adequate CCTV evidence.
Mr Pathania told the Telegraph: “It’s not just the Met – the problem is country-wide.
“We don’t always get digital evidence back from the retailers.
“We request CCTV, body-worn video footage, statements from the retailers, but we don’t always get that back.
“So last year, for example, in approximately 80% of our crimes, we never got CCTV – and so it’s really difficult to investigate a crime where you don’t have the digital evidence.”
