We have seen a significant rise in recorded shoplifting throughout the UK according to our own figures and those released by the Office for National Statistics for England and Wales and Scotland, part of which is being driven by organised criminal groups.As announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government on 4 December 2024, £3 million will be specifically provided through the draft budget for 2025/26 to enable Police Scotland to work with the retail sector to target the unacceptable levels of crime on Scotland’s high streets.This funding is an important step in the fight against retail crime which costs businesses millions each year, and has a knock-on effect on the prices we pay in the shops. S6W...