ACS

The UK has emerged as the worst country in Europe for shoplifting, coming third globally behind the US and Japan. Figures show that shop theft in the UK has gone up by 19% to almost £5 billion this year, the highest rise on record.

The report, commissioned by Checkpoint Systems, suggests a rise in “middle class crime” in the recession. Convenience stores and specialty shops that offer high quality goods are worst targeted, with middle class women thought to be the main culprits, stealing items that they would otherwise be able to afford.

Employees are also highlighted by the report as being responsible for the rise in thefts. The average loss per incident in the UK is £1595.66 for internal theft, compared with just £80.31 for external thefts.

One possible explanation for the rise is the perception that shop theft is a victimless crime. Joshua Bamfield, a director at the Centre for Retail Research, said:"There is a feeling among criminals that nothing really happens if you steal from shops."

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “It’s essential that the notion of small time shop theft being a victimless crime is discouraged. Retailers are struggling in the recession as it is - shop theft is a large contributing factor to increased shrinkage, which in turn affects profit margins and can harm small businesses considerably.”