Home / Crime and Justice / Costa Hires Bouncers Amidst Brazen Shoplifting Surge
Costa Hires Bouncers Amidst Brazen Shoplifting Surge
11 Apr
Summary
- Security guards hired at dozens of Costa stores due to daily theft incidents.
- Shoplifting offenses in England and Wales increased by five percent in one year.
- The cost of living crisis has doubled Costa's operating losses in 2024.
Costa Coffee has reportedly implemented a new security strategy, hiring bouncers at dozens of its UK stores to deter escalating shoplifting. This measure addresses daily theft incidents targeting food and drinks, with specific locations in south London and Manchester identified as hotspots.
Staff report thieves regularly taking items like toasties and croissants directly from refrigerators. This response aligns with a broader trend, as shoplifting offenses in England and Wales saw a five percent increase in the year leading up to September 2025, reaching over 519,000. London alone recorded over 100,000 offenses in the year to October 2025.
The company's financial performance has also been affected, with operating losses doubling in 2024 to £13.5 million, marking the worst year since the pandemic. Industry experts suggest that retail policies discouraging staff from confronting shoplifters may be contributing to the crisis, leaving businesses vulnerable.
