Rising inflation and high living costs in the UK are causing more people to resort to shoplifting. The cost of food is getting higher, making it harder for households to manage their finances. Some people are turning to petty theft and food banks to cope with the rising prices.
Young adults are especially affected by the cost-of-living crisis. They are more likely to steal from supermarkets or borrow money to pay for groceries. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the cost of imported food rose by 25% in the last year. This has led to one in five Brits seeking financial help to pay for food.
Inflation is currently at 10.4%, which has caused food and fuel costs to remain high for several months. Families are struggling with the rising prices, with food and drink costs increasing by 19.1%. Some prices have even doubled.
Shoplifting is becoming more common, with people stealing basic necessities like children’s medicine Calpol. Security tags are being put on items like milk and cheese to prevent theft. A survey by the app ZipZero found that 8% of adults go into their overdrafts or borrow from family and friends to pay for food. 5% are using food banks.
Food banks have seen a significant increase in demand, with the Trussell Trust distributing over 3 million food packages in 2022-23, a 37% increase from the previous year. Shockingly, one in five food bank users are currently employed. The rising cost of living is making it difficult for many Brits to make ends meet.
ZipZero CEO Mohsin Rashid expressed concern over the cost-of-living crisis, saying that people cannot rely on coupon-clipping and discount stickers forever. The rising inflation is changing social norms and redefining life standards in the UK.
