Shoplifting has gotten "out of control", according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which warned of "kamikaze" thefts.
The comments were made by Helen Dickinson, the BRC's chief executive, as new figures reveal that, in the 12 months to September 2024, incidents of customer theft in the UK rose by 3.7million to 20.4million, and cost retailers £2billion.
Speaking to the BBC, she warned thieves often don't fear being seen or caught as "they don't see that there's necessarily any consequences".
"It's outrageous and out of control in many parts of the country," she added,
Videos are frequently posted on social media showing "kamikaze" shoplifting, where offenders brazenly fill bags with loot in full view of customers and staff.
Ms Dickinson said shoplifting is often carried out by organised gangs and repeat offenders stealing to order.
Shop workers are also often advised not to intervene with criminals due to the risk of violence.
Paddy Lillis, general secretary of retail worker union Usdaw, said: “The scale of the epidemic of retail crime is laid bare in this shocking BRC report.
"Crime has a very direct impact on the viability of stores, as retailers go to increasing lengths and expense to make them secure and safe.
"Communities are blighted by anti-social behaviour and store closures. Staff are working in fear of the next incident of abuse, threats or violence.
"We have campaigned along with the BRC for substantial legislative measures to combat this growing problem and we are pleased that the Government will be introducing the Crime and Policing Bill, which will meet our aims.
"That is only part of the fightback against the criminals and we will continue to work closely with retailers to deliver respect for shop workers.”
Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of retail industry charity the Retail Trust, said: “Almost half of the retail workers we’ve surveyed told us they currently fear for their safety and nearly two thirds are stressed and anxious going to work due to this unacceptable level of retail crime.
"People are contacting our helpline in their thousands to report horrifying incidents of abuse and violence and many say that they are now at breaking point."