Sadiq Khan attributes London’s shoplifting rise to the high cost of living. He emphasizes the city’s unique challenges compared to other regions in the UK.

According to the latest data, shoplifting offenses in London jumped by 50%. That’s a big leap from last year, with over 80,000 incidents reported. This increase is way higher than the national average.
Khan referred to a study from the London School of Economics. It showed that as living costs rise, crimes like shoplifting tend to increase too. He noted that personal theft and robbery are also on the rise.
When asked why London is hit harder, he explained that the city’s unique situation makes it more vulnerable. He’s been out with neighborhood teams, working to tackle these issues directly.
Khan expressed his support for the Metropolitan Police’s focus on community safety. He’s been involved in patrols and believes that working closely with retailers can help reduce crime.
He’s also pleased that the Home Secretary is addressing these concerns. Khan regularly talks to retailers about the challenges they face, especially regarding staff safety. This issue hits home for him, given his retail background.