Greggs, the popular UK bakery chain, is enhancing security measures in its stores nationwide in response to a dramatic increase in shoplifting incidents and assaults on staff.

Combating Rising Retail Crime

The company is replacing front-of-store, self-service food and drink fridges with theft-proof counters. Staff will now hand out all items, aiming to reduce crime and safeguard employees from escalating violence.

Pilot Scheme and Locations

This pilot scheme has already been implemented in several locations, including West Croydon, Croydon, Peckham, Whitechapel, Upton Park, Birmingham, and Wilford, Nottinghamshire. Greggs intends to assess the effectiveness of this change before a wider rollout.

Shoplifting Statistics and Police Response

Reported shoplifting offenses in England and Wales have more than doubled in the past five years, rising from 228,128 in 2020/21 to 530,457 in 2024/25. However, only 19.8% of these offenses result in a charge.

The Metropolitan Police has the lowest charge rate, at just 6.5%. This perceived lack of effective policing is contributing to the problem.

Incidents of Violence

Greggs staff have faced increasingly aggressive incidents, including having boiling hot tea thrown in their faces and a security guard being assaulted with a belt. Stores have also dealt with repeated theft by individuals experiencing homelessness and substance abuse.

Staff at the Peckham branch acknowledge the change may impact customer flow but believe it will simplify their roles and improve security.

Political Criticism and Notable Cases

Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson criticized both Conservative and Labour governments for failing to address community policing adequately, leaving retail workers vulnerable.

One notable case involved Adam Gosling, nicknamed 'Hamster' by staff, who stole nearly £20,000 worth of goods from a Greenford store over 38 visits between December 30, 2025, and February 10. He received a suspended four-month sentence despite pleading guilty to 38 counts of theft.

Another incident involved a brutal attack on a security guard at a London Greggs location by a would-be shoplifter, captured on CCTV footage.

Future Expansion

If the pilot scheme proves successful, Greggs plans to expand the new security measures to all 2,735 of its branches across the UK. This represents a significant shift in the customer experience, prioritizing security over self-service convenience.