Improved shoplifting reporting system launched
The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has welcomed the introduction of an improved online system by Police Scotland for reporting shoplifting.
Following a pilot launched in December 2025, the digital reporting system went live for all retailers in Scotland on March 23.
The Fed’s Scottish president Hussan Lal said: “We have lobbied long and hard for better protection for retailers when it comes to shoplifting.
“While an improved reporting system is of obvious benefit to retailers, The Fed will continue to call for the Scottish government to back small independent retailers like our members through action to reduce retail crime – such as through targeted security grants.”
Police Scotland said that, during the pilot, timescales for creation of a crime report number had reduced from the required 72-hour period to frequent same day processing.
In addition, a link to its Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC) system is provided once a crime report number is generated, allowing retailers to upload their CCTV footage immediately, allowing investigations to commence far quicker.
Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “The development of the online reporting form supports the ongoing work to introduce a third-party reporting platform that can provide a consistent approach to reporting certain retail offences whenever they arise within Scotland.
“We will continue to develop the form further to ensure it meets all needs of our retail industry colleagues when reporting a theft by shoplifting offence.”