Shoplifting is hitting Salford’s charitable sector, with local shops reporting weekly thefts, even as the Salford crime figures see a welcome drop.
According to the Local Government Association, between 30 June 2024 and June 2025, the total recorded crime rate excluding fraud in Salford fell.
The city recorded 105.88 crimes per 1,000 people – a decrease from the 108.40 recorded in the last equivalent period. Salford ranked 25th out of 36 English metropolitan boroughs for its crime rate.
Shoplifting accounted for the most pronounced rise in the figures, which increased from 4.93 to 6.48 crimes per 1,000 people.
This local surge mirrors a regional crisis, with 21,095 cases of shoplifting reported across Greater Manchester in the year ending June 2025, a 43 per cent increase since 2020.
This surge is having a direct and damaging impact on the city’s charitable sector, where staff and volunteers face theft on a weekly basis.
Natasha, 24, assistant manager at the British Heart Foundation shop in Eccles, said: “ We have a couple of cases a week, mainly clothes, and it’s primarily the same faces.”
She explained that the charity has strict protocols for staff safety: “We tell staff not to intervene, if they feel threatened to press an alarm behind the till.”
Similarly, Zack, manager of the Oxfam shop in Swinton, admitted that while he is quite good at trying to prevent theft himself, staff safety is the priority.
“Staff volunteers aren’t going to risk themselves for items we get for free, highlighting the vulnerability of the charity model,” he said.
“We inform the precinct security and report it to the head office but nothing gets done.”
Ansvar Insurance, a specialist charity insurer, has urged charity shops to tighten security as they rely heavily on volunteers and operate on slim margins.
Adam Tier, head of underwriting at Ansvar, said: “Charity shops play an essential role in our communities, raising vital funds and offering affordable goods to local people.
“Every item stolen from a charity shop represents funds that could have been used for essential services, whether that’s supporting vulnerable individuals, funding research or providing community programmes”.
He noted that, unlike larger commercial retailers, smaller charity shops are particularly vulnerable.
“Theft can be scary and disheartening for those who give their time to support good causes, By staying alert and putting sensible safeguards in place, charity shops can continue to provide safe, welcoming spaces that make a real difference across Greater Manchester’s communities,” added Tier.
Ansvar is encouraging charities to incorporate five essential security protocols, including minimising cash on the premises and making regular bank deposits, varying the time and route. They also advise providing basic security awareness training to staff and volunteers, stressing that they should never physically confront suspected thieves.
The insurer recommends keeping high-value items, such as jewellery, in locked display cases or behind the counter.
Charities are encouraged to ensure their insurance policy provides cover for theft, damage, and business interruption and to consider installing visible deterrents such as CCTV cameras and mirrors to eliminate blind spots.
Despite the overall positive in Salford crime figures, for several victim-based crimes increased significantly. Robbery offences rose from 1.14 to 1.43 crimes per 1,000 people. Sexual offences also increased from 3.68 to 4.09 crimes per 1,000 people over the same period.
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