Reports of shoplifting in Hackney have slightly declined after a steady increase over the past two years, according to the latest crime data released by the Metropolitan Police.
In January 2025, the number of reported shoplifting incidents fell to 179, the lowest recorded figure since July 2024. This marks a notable drop from September 2024, when shoplifting cases peaked at a two-year high of 257 across the borough.
Certain areas remain hotspots for the crime. Stamford Hill West has the most incidents, followed closely by Dalston, Homerton, and Hackney Central.
The Met’s data reveals nearly every reported incident in Stamford Hill West over the past two years took place at the Morrisons supermarket on Stamford Hill Road. The site saw its highest monthly total in September 2024, with 99 thefts reported.
Dalston has the second-highest number of cases, the majority occurring at Kingsland Shopping Centre, the area’s main retail hub.
From September 2023 to September 2024, incidents of shoplifting reported by retailers in the UK rose by 3.7 million to 20.4 million, totalling a cost of £2bn.
The Metropolitan Police said: “A London-wide roll-out of Operation Retail is now in place, following a successful pilot, allowing more effective and streamlined reporting of shoplifting where no offender has been detained or violence occurred.
“We work with retail leads in London and we know first-hand the impact shoplifting and attacks on shop workers is having on individual staff and the wider business community.”
Lily Scaplehorn - community reporter for Clissold - former political reporter at Radio Cardiff and Bro Radio