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Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that in the year ending June 2025, there were 1,868 shoplifting incidents recorded by Dyfed-Powys Police.
This represents a 21 per cent increase since 2020.
A survey conducted in 2024 by the Charity Retail Association revealed that most respondents had seen a rise in shoplifting over the last year, highlighting an increasing problem for charities and their volunteers.
In the face of this growing threat, Ansvar Insurance, a specialist charity insurer, is calling for vigilance and proactive risk management.
Adam Tier, Ansvar’s head of underwriting, said: “Charity shops play an essential role in our communities, raising vital funds and offering affordable goods to local people.
“Every item stolen from a charity shop represents funds that could have been used for essential services, whether that’s supporting vulnerable individuals, funding research, or providing community programmes.
“Unlike larger commercial retailers, many smaller charity shops rely on volunteers and operate on slim margins, making them particularly vulnerable.
“Protecting their premises, stock and, most importantly, their people, is paramount to ensuring operational continuity.”
In a bid to help protect these charitable organisations, Ansvar has laid out five key security measures for charity shops and not-for-profit organisations to implement.
These include minimising the amount of cash held on the premises, providing security awareness training for staff and volunteers, and keeping high-value items like jewellery or electronics in locked display cases or behind the counter.
The importance of having the right insurance protection, as well as consideration for installing security equipment like CCTV cameras, was also stressed.
Mr Tier added: “Theft can be scary and disheartening for those who give their time to support good causes.
“By staying alert and putting sensible safeguards in place, charity shops can continue to provide safe, welcoming spaces that make a real difference across local communities.”
Ansvar is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned group of financial services companies that donates all available profits to charity and good causes.
With the Benefact Group ranking as the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, Ansvar’s call for heightened security in charity shops aligns with its commitment to supporting the wider charitable community.
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