Shoplifting: Artist Lucy Sparrow recreates the UK's most shoplifted items in felt

'Shoplifting' is a collection of works that focuses the spotlight on one of the most common criminal acts. Inspired by the artist’s time spent working in a supermarket, this show takes a humorous look at themes of larceny including the most frequently robbed items in the UK and the types of people who lift them.

Punters (honest and otherwise) can expect to see rooms overflowing with temptation – with new pieces in perspex frames and cabinets stuffed with hand-crafted felt items to tempt all types of people looking for a five-finger discount, i.e everyone.

With 97% of petty theft in the UK committed by non-professional thieves, chances are that someone in your close friendship circle has swiped something from the shelves. Often an early act of rebellion among teenagers striving to escape from their everyday lives with a sneaky six-pack, shoplifters have no typical profile, making everyone a suspect. But this is a crime that doesn't only tempt the cash-strapped; being seemingly irresistible even to celebrities who can easily afford to splash the cash.

Whether it’s designer goods, booze or packets of cheese, it seems the lure to stuff something in your pockets is too good to pass up even if getting caught may jeopardise a lucrative career. Statistics show that retail crime is on the increase, with the annual cost soaring to £613m in the UK last year – the biggest since records began – driven by criminal gangs stealing luxury goods to order.

So to those of you who have stuffed packets of ham or even an iPhone 7 down your trousers – or even just thought about doing it – you’re not alone. Shoplifting exists to prove that this is even more common than most people imagine. So put on a massive coat and make sure you’ve got some strong thighs, shoplifting has never been as bright, colourful and enticing as this. Remember thieves will not be prosecuted. Discover more at sewyoursoul.co.uk.