Shop theft rose by 4% last year: new report
Instances of shop theft increased by 4% last year and more than half of all retailers experienced some form of verbal or physical abuse.
The figures have been detailed in the Association of Convenience Stores Crime Report 2014 launched this week, which sets out the impact of crime on the convenience sector and also offers guidance to help retailers manage the cost of crime against their stores.
The report shows that shop theft alone cost an estimated £44 million and that the average burglary will cost a retailer £2,586. It also shows that retailers made a £14 million investment in crime prevention measures 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.”
Never Miss a Retail Update!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.”
The report gives guidance to retailers on managing potential crimes, dealing with the triggers of violence and verbal abuse, responding to robberies, and working with the police and local communities to cut crime.
