Shoplifting increases in the UK
In a startling revelation it has been revealed that middle-class people in the UK, struggling to meet their financial liabilities, seem unwilling to give up on the luxuries of life with many turning to shoplifting goods such as expensive food, alcohol and cosmetics. Figures supplied by the Centre for Retail Research claimed that shoplifting has increased by 20% in the UK over the last 12 months and shops have taken on a £4.88 billion bill for lost goods.
It is surprising to learn that the UK has the highest shoplifting rates in the world with the exception of the United States and Japan but it is the move away from "traditional shoplifters" to the middle classes which will surprise many. Even though crime has historically increased significantly during recessionary times this is perhaps the first time we have seen a major increase in shoplifting among the middle classes, and illustrates the difficulties many people are experiencing at the moment.
Despite the fact that on the face of it property prices in the UK appear to be moving ahead, more people are still falling behind with their mortgage payments and yesterday we saw credit card companies announce record debt write-offs. The UK economy may well be improving but this is a very slow and painful process and one which will take some time.
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