News

ACS has launched a new Business Crime Pledge Tracker, detailing what every Police and Crime Commissioner in the UK is doing to tackle business crime in their area.

Post Offices and pharmacies have topped this year’s ranking of the services that have the most positive impact on a local area, according to new research from the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).

Over the past couple of months we’ve seen a discernible shift in the tone of debate about shop theft and retail crime. Our own crime report, and the Co-op’s research on crime in their business, has provided a powerful evidence base. We’re seeing better engagement from Police & Crime Commissioners and local forces, and crucially we’re now hearing Ministers talking about the seriousness of shop theft and the need for penalties to be consistent with this. There’s also been a lot more interest in the media.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has launched a new campaign aimed at cracking down on rogue vape sales and supporting responsible retailers.

As part of the campaign, ACS has published new Challenge25 materials specific to vaping to help responsible retailers when serving customers. Challenging customers who look underage is one of the biggest triggers of abuse (ACS Crime Report 2023), so signposting retailers’ responsibilities can be an effective way of reducing the risk of confrontation. 

Book your place at the launch of ACS’ 2023 Local Shop Report, taking place online on 14^th September.

This virtual launch event will give you the chance to have a first look at the findings of our 2023 Local Shop Report and to be a part of the discussion as we explore the data in detail and discuss what the information means in real terms.

Confirmed speakers and panellists include:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has echoed concerns raised by the Co-op about the levels of retail crime over the past year and the impact that this has on local shops and the communities that they serve.

New data published today (27th July) from the Co-op has seen crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour jump 35% year-on-year, with more than 175,000 incidents recorded in the first six months of this year – almost 1,000 incidents every day.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new consultation from energy regulator Ofgem, setting out a series of proposals to make the non-domestic energy market fairer, and for protections to be available to a wider range of businesses.

Allwyn, incoming licensee for the Fourth National Lottery Licence, has set out some next steps for National Lottery retailers ahead of the changeover on 1 February 2024.

With site surveys – where all retailers are being visited for future equipment upgrades – progressing smoothly, Allwyn will be contacting National Lottery retailers to tell them how they can electronically transfer their existing Retailer Agreement from Camelot to Allwyn, ready for the start of the new licence.

Content provided by Camelot:

The exciting Match 3 Lotto event will see thousands of players WIN DOUBLE for matching just 3 numbers! Players matching 3 main numbers in the draw on Saturday 5th August will win £60* instead of the usual £30 (subject to capping rules).

The Local Government Association has called for a ban on disposable vapes by 2024. I wanted to reflect on why this group positing this sort of “solution” is a clickbait contribution to the debate on vaping.