ACS

 The retail industry crime survey 2009 showed physical violence towards retail employees has risen by 58 per cent and verbal abuse by 37 per cent. These findings have promoted speculation about the possible link between the recession and increased crime.

The survey by the British Retail Consortium analysed 60 employers, representing over a million staff and identified that the highest value and volume of retail crime was the result of shop theft by customers.

The report also took into account the impact of unreported crimes, which could push the number of crimes above one million, meaning two thirds of customer thefts are unreported. Retail crime overall cost UK shops £1.1 billion in 2008/09, meaning a 10 per cent increase compared with previous years.

The report recommendations include; a police focus on organised crime against businesses, keeping channels of communication open between police and retailers, and the inclusion of local businesses in local policing plans.

James Lowman, ACS’ Chief Executive, said: “The BRC results reflect a worrying trend, increased retail crime means additional pressure pressures on retailers business and increased costs for customers. The figures should sharpen the minds of Ministers and Policing leaders on the problem. Retail crime has to be taken seriously, and we have to see better use of police resources to catch and deter shop thieves; and a more effective use of sentencing to act as a deterrent for those caught.

“The increases in retail crime identified in this report are likely to be reflected in local shops, although we have to accept that there will be differences between retailers depending on where they trade and what they sell.”

The ACS Crime Prevention Forum will be held on the 9th February in Manchester and will inform retailers how best to avoid shop theft and abuse through a range of schemes and working practices. For the latest agenda visit the ACS website.