As the number of shoplifting incidents increases so too does the threat of violence against staff, says the BRC. Sixty per cent of violent incidents that happen in stores occur when staff attempt to detain criminals or protect property from theft.
The BRC is calling on the Government to reject proposals that would see prison removed as a penalty for shoplifting, even for the worst repeat offenders. The organisation also believes the police should make retail crime a higher priority.
“The huge increase in the number of shoplifting incidents is extremely worrying,” says BRC Director General Kevin Hawkins. “It is having a very serious financial impact and is putting the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers at risk.
“Soft penalties and poor enforcement are to blame. Retailers are spending millions of pounds on their own crime prevention, as well as contributing £4.5 billion a year in business rates. They are entitled to the support of government and police, but at the moment they are not getting it.”
The BRC report shows crime has a proportionately bigger impact on small and medium-sized retailers than their larger counterparts. The survey reveals that 15 per cent of retailers in this category have been forced to close their businesses for a period of time as a result of crime.
Says Hawkins: “The Government’s failure to plan prison capacity is no excuse for giving a licence to steal. Anyone who believes only violent crime matters is seriously misguided.
“The thieves responsible for the majority of retail crime are well organised and efficient. On average, they make off with £149-worth of goods each time they steal.”
