Marks & Spencer (M&S) has called for an increase in police resources to address a significant rise in retail crime, describing the incidents as increasingly "brazen, more organised and more aggressive." The appeal comes as the retailer reports a surge in shoplifting and violence across its stores.

Stuart Machin, M&S Chief Executive, communicated these concerns to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, while Retail Director Thinus Keeve wrote to London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Both letters emphasized the need for greater police capacity to effectively combat crime, particularly by targeting repeat offenders and high-incidence areas.

Keeve detailed several recent incidents, including organized groups forcing open locked display cabinets and clearing shelves, as well as two men openly shoplifting meat. He also cited a large group of young people ransacking a store before assaulting a security guard, a colleague being head-butted, and another hospitalized after an ammonia attack. While acknowledging the issue is national, Keeve stated it is "worse in London" and becoming routine, attributing the problem to a perceived lack of consequences for offenders. He highlighted that over 1,600 retail workers daily face violence or abuse, describing it as a systemic and worsening problem.

The company’s plea follows a notable incident this week in Clapham, south London, where several hundred young people, reportedly coordinating through social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, attempted to access shops and a restaurant. Metropolitan Police deployed approximately 100 officers to Clapham High Street. Six teenage girls were arrested for anti-social behavior linked to online trends, and five individuals, including four police officers, were assaulted. London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the events, pledging that those responsible would face legal repercussions and noting that police are working with social media companies to curb content promoting violence and theft.

Adam Hawksbee, M&S Head of External Affairs, acknowledged the persistent challenge of retail crime but noted a distinct escalation in recent months, underscoring the negative impact on staff morale and safety.

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate an increase in shoplifting offenses across England and Wales. In the year leading up to September 2025, 519,381 incidents were recorded, a 5% rise from 492,660 in the preceding year. This figure, however, remains slightly below the 530,643 offenses reported in the 12 months ending March 2025. M&S advocates for a more robust and consistent police response, alongside enhanced transparency regarding crime data to facilitate better resource allocation and foster a coordinated approach involving government, law enforcement, and industry.