Marks and Spencer has pressed the UK government and London mayor to act on a surge in shoplifting and violence targeting retailers. The FTSE 100 group cited recent disorder in Clapham, where hundreds of teenagers allegedly looted stores, as evidence that theft is becoming “more brazen, more organised and more aggressive.” and threatens long‑term profitability for investors.

M&S retail director Thinus Keeve said chief executive Stuart Machin has written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, urging a tougher policing response. The retailer disclosed it spent tens of millions of pounds this year on security measures such as facial‑recognition cameras and reinforced packaging, yet warns that private spending cannot replace a coordinated law‑enforcement strategy.

The British Retail Consortium estimates retailers have poured almost £1bn into security since the pandemic and totalled £5.5bn in related costs last year. Met police claim they solved nearly double the shoplifting cases and arrested 50% more suspects, while crime minister Sarah Jones promises harsher penalties for thefts under £200. M&S concludes that without decisive government action, its bottom line will continue to erode.