Wanis International Foods kicked off its festive season this week with a lively Christmas Bonanza at its East London Cash & Carry, combining holiday cheer with practical support for the independent retail community. Alongside food tastings and festive fancy dress, the event featured a drop-in retail crime surgery hosted by officers from the Metropolitan Police.
Independent shop owners were able to speak directly with MET officers about safeguarding, theft prevention and staff safety, issues that have become increasingly urgent as the busy Christmas trading period approaches. Retailers welcomed the chance to raise concerns and receive guidance from the teams who support businesses across the borough.
Retail crime has reached critical levels nationwide. According to the Office for National Statistics, police-recorded shoplifting rose to 530,643 offences in the year to March 2025, a 20% year-on-year increase and the highest figure ever recorded. The British Retail Consortium estimates shoplifting cost retailers £2.2 billion in 2023/24 alone. But the impact runs deeper than financial loss. Retail staff are facing unprecedented levels of abuse and violence, with the BRC reporting more than 2,000 incidents of threats or assault every day, including some involving weapons.
Wanis has a long-standing history of supporting independent retailers and community groups across London, and the event reaffirmed the company’s commitment to helping local businesses navigate one of the busiest and most challenging trading periods of the year.
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