Record levels of shoplifting have been committed against convenience retailers over the past year, according to new figures from the ACS.
The ACS’ Voice of Local Shops Survey of more than 1,200 independent retailers reveals that the ‘theft index’ has reached a record level of +26, compared to a previous high of +25 in May 2012. The data shows 63% of independent retailers reported that theft in their businesses had either increased (35%) or stayed the same (28%) over the past year, with just 9% reporting a decrease in levels of shop theft.
The survey has been tracking levels of shop theft since the start of 2012, the theft index had been reasonably steady from 2016 through to early 2021, but has since gradually risen to new record highs.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We are extremely concerned about the continued increase in theft levels in local shops. Retailers tell us that the vast majority of incidents are committed by repeat offenders, usually well known in the area, that are stealing high-value items like meat, coffee, alcohol, and household/beauty products to then sell on, either as part of an organised crime group or to fund a substance addiction.
“Theft is not a victimless crime, it takes an enormous financial and personal toll on the retailers that are trying to run a business in their communities. Theft is also the biggest single trigger for abuse of colleagues and violent incidents in stores.
“We need targeted action to stop the repeat offenders that are stealing on a regular basis without any concern about being apprehended by the police.”
Across the UK, London retailers are the worst affected, with 48% of retailers surveyed saying that theft has increased over the past year. This compares to 28% of retailers in the North East who reported an increase in theft, the lowest of any UK region.
In response, Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “Theft from shops has long been a major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shopworkers. Usdaw’s own survey found that shoplifting was the trigger for nearly a third of verbal and physical attacks on retail staff.
“Having to deal with repeated and persistent shoplifters can cause issues beyond the theft itself like anxiety, fear and in some cases physical harm to retail workers. It is disturbing to see evidence from the ACS report and police recorded crime stats showing that shoplifting is on the increase.”
Figures from the ACS 2022 Crime Report show that convenience stores spent more than £246m in the previous year on crime prevention measures like CCTV, security staff, and alarm systems.
