Stacey Dooley, fresh from her Grierson Trustees’ Award victory, returns to BBC Three to tackle a pressing and multifaceted issue: the UK’s burgeoning shoplifting epidemic. Stacey Dooley: Shoplifting, arriving on BBC Three and iPlayer in 2025, promises to move beyond mere statistics and explore the complex motivations fueling this crisis.
While there will be interviews with shoplifters, retail workers, and experts, the anticipation lies in Dooley’s distinctive approach. Her ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, to truly understand their circumstances, is crucial here. Will she unearth stories of desperation amidst the cost-of-living crunch? Or will she expose a sense of entitlement where theft becomes justifiable?
The economic backdrop of rising prices and stagnant wages gives the documentary a stark relevance.. With inflation rampant and household budgets stretched thin, is shoplifting increasingly an act of survival? Dooley’s history, from Blood, Sweat and T-Shirts to her more recent investigations, suggests she won’t flinch from difficult realities. She’s likely to confront viewers with the human cost of these crimes, for both those compelled to steal and those on the receiving end.
Dooley’s past accolades, including the One World Media Awards’ Popular Features Award and Best Presenter at the 2021 Women in Film and Television Awards, are certainly noteworthy. However, it’s her direct yet compassionate approach, her ability to genuinely listen and understand, that truly distinguishes her work. She’s not afraid to ask the tough questions, challenge preconceived notions, and dig for honest answers. This time, she’s confronting a problem impacting everyone, from small businesses to large retail chains.
Is the system failing both shoplifters and retailers? What support networks exist for those struggling financially? Are there innovative solutions to address this escalating problem? Dooley’s investigation may not offer easy answers, but it promises to highlight a critical social issue.
Stacey Dooley: Shoplifting airs in 2025 on BBC Three and iPlayer.
Stacey Dooley: Shoplifting is produced by Little Dooley for BBC Three and iPlayer. Stacey Dooley: Shoplifting was commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, and Nasfim Haque, Head of Content, BBC Three. Executive Producers are Claire Hughes for Little Dooley and the Commissioning Editors are Fran Baker and Raphaelle O’Loan. Daniel Harrison will direct.
