For many, popping into the supermarket is a simple daily routine.
But for people like 27-year-old security guard Kane Manning, it has turned into a dangerous frontline job.
Manning says shoplifting has spiraled into an “out of control” crisis, and he faces daily death threats from organized gangs who now treat supermarkets like open targets.
Gangs Stealing Luxury Goods with Ease
Manning revealed that groups of thieves regularly raid his store, making off with around £500 worth of products every day.
Luxury items, from high-end chocolates to premium goods, are their main focus.
He recalled one shocking incident in June 2025 where five thieves staged a well-planned heist, filling a trolley and bags with £1,100 worth of Cadbury chocolates.
The operation wasn’t random — the same group had been targeting multiple shops across the area, reportedly swiping more than £12,000 in stolen stock in a single month.
How TikTok Trends Are Fueling Theft
While professional gangs are a big problem, Manning says teenagers inspired by TikTok are also flooding stores.
Many use fraudulent discount codes circulating online that trick self-checkouts into slashing prices by up to 90 percent.
He explained how kids as young as 12 walk away with stolen sweets, convinced that because it’s “just a TikTok hack,” it isn’t actually illegal.
“Pretty much every week I’ll catch kids stealing,” Manning said.
“Some even use fake coupons so something that should cost £5 scans for just 45p. It’s basically a scam.”
A Dangerous Job with Little Protection
Manning admits the surge in theft has made his work far more dangerous.
Every confrontation with thieves could escalate, and he worries about what could happen if things turn violent. “Security is fight or flight,” he said.
“You never know how you’ll react until that moment comes.”
Government Response Under Fire
The Labour government has acknowledged that shoplifting has “got out of hand.”
However, critics argue that red tape is making the situation worse.
For example, shopkeepers were warned by the Information Commissioner’s Office that publicly displaying photos of thieves might breach data protection rules — a move many retailers see as blocking their only chance to deter crime.
Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones defended the government’s stance but admitted the problem is widespread.
“We all need to be aware of what’s happening in our communities,” she said, pointing to new measures in the Crime and Policing Bill.
Police Struggling to Keep Up
Figures released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) paint a grim picture.
An estimated 50,000 shoplifting incidents go unreported every day, and only 2.5 percent of cases are formally recorded by police.
Helen Dickinson, BRC’s chief executive, explained why many retailers have simply stopped calling for help: “They don’t see the point of reporting anymore.”
What Happens Next?
For now, shop security staff like Kane Manning are left to deal with the crisis on their own, facing both intimidation and danger as theft continues to rise.
Unless stronger action is taken, Britain’s high streets may remain open hunting grounds for opportunists, organized gangs, and TikTok-inspired thieves alike.
