Nisa is calling for greater protection for independent retailers from authorities after a surge in retail crime.
The Association of Convenience Stores Crime Report 2023 reveals 87% of store employees have experienced verbal abuse, while there have been almost 9,000 incidents of robbery of convenience stores between 2022 and 2023.
In addition, a recent report by The Co-op Group reveals that retail crime has surged to record levels with repeat offenders and criminal gangs operating exempt from consequences. 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.
The Co-op-led report also highlights that police failed to respond in 71% of serious retail crimes reported with some, according to Police data, not responding to nine in ten serious incidents reported.
Victoria Lockie, Nisa’s Head of Retail, said: “Our teams hear on a weekly basis from retailers suffering from the ongoing challenge of shoplifting and the impact that is having both financially and on their own wellbeing. This is particularly tough for independent retailers, many of whom are open longer hours and can’t afford to hire professional security. These horrific incidents have a long-lasting impact on businesses and a negative impact for the community overall.
“The recent Co-op led report on retail crime highlighted some significant challenges, with the appropriate authorities failing to respond in over 70% of serious retail crimes reported. If we are going to tackle this issue seriously, we need that number to be dramatically reduced so independent retailers can feel safe simply doing their job.”
