Official ‘Recorded Crime in Scotland’ statistics reveal that incidents have now surpassed 48,000, a figure SRC director David Lonsdale describes as “appalling”.

Despite retailers spending record amounts on crime prevention, the rate of theft continues to climb. Mr Lonsdale said: “Thieving from stores isn’t a victimless crime, indeed it’s a key factor behind rising levels of abuse and threats towards shop workers and we know from member feedback that thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive.

“The financial cost pushes up prices for shoppers and undermines the health and vitality of our high streets.”

The SRC has welcomed the creation of the Retail Crime Taskforce, a £3 million initiative by Scottish Ministers and Police Scotland targeting organised gangs and persistent offenders. While Mr Lonsdale says “early results are encouraging”, he insists that funding and support must be “sustained and enhanced” to effectively reverse the rising tide of retail crime.