ACS has launched a new report setting out the impact of crime on the convenience sector and as well as revealing new research, the Crime Report 2014 includes guidance to help retailers manage the cost of crime against their stores.
The Crime Report 2014, launched today at the ACS Crime Seminar in London, features a detailed account of the costs, both human and monetary, of crime including shop theft, burglary, robbery and violence
Key findings from the report are:
- Retailers made £14m of investment in crime prevention measures last year
- Shop theft alone cost an estimated £44m and police data has found a 4% increase in shop theft instances in the last year.
- The average burglary will cost a retailer £2,586
- More than half of retailers were victims of verbal or physical abuse in the last year.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Tackling crime in store is one of the biggest challenges faced by convenience retailers. The Crime Report 2014 gives retailers simple to follow, targeted guidance which enables them to reduce criminal activity and build relationships with local enforcement agencies.”
Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: “Retail crime is an important issue which the government takes seriously. We want the response to be consistent, which is why all police forces in England and Wales have adopted a national business crime definition which will improve our understanding of the nature and extent of offences.
“Shopkeepers have a right to feel safe in their stores and I am pleased to see there was a decrease in the number of violent attacks reported in the ACS survey. It is important the government provides leadership to drive down retail crime which is why I co-chair the National Retail Crime Steering Group with the British Retail Consortium. The group identifies and shares best practice on what works to cut retail crime and protect those who work in the sector.”
The guidance for retailers within the report includes the following:
- Managing out potential crimes through store layout and security features
- Dealing with the triggers of violence and verbal abuse
- How to respond to robberies
- Partnership working with the local police and the community
The full report is available here. Printed copies of the guide are available on request.
