The Scottish Grocers’ Federation is holding its annual Crime & Wellbeing Seminar today (7 March) at Hampden Park in partnership with Retailers Against Crime.
The seminar is focusing on a range of issues such as the wider economic effects of retail crime and the lived experience of retailers.
Speakers such as Russell Findlay MSP and Police Scotland’s Superintendent Hilary Sloan will provide key insights into crime in Scotland and an update on the Protection of Workers Act.
Meanwhile, business breakout sessions will cover topics that will enable businesses to take action to combat and deal with issues associated with retail crime both now and in the future.
SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema, said: “Retail crime may be a daily occurrence in many convenience stores, but that in no way diminishes its seriousness and the harmful impact it can have on retailers, staff, and businesses. This unique venue offers excellent space for our event to host not only the main events and business sessions but also our valued exhibitors.
“Every single incident of abuse or theft that happens in stores across Scotland, is one to many. That is why SGF will always take a zero-tolerance approach to crime and ensure that decision-makers understand the lasting damage it can have on staff and businesses.”
SGF’s Crime Report 2022 highlights the substantial impact of crime on store owners and staff across Scotland, with 100% of respondents reporting some level of theft, abuse, or violence in the previous year.
Shoplifting offences also reached staggering levels in 2021, with almost all operators experiencing theft on a daily basis, while 95% of retailers also reported experiencing some form of hate crime monthly.
Maxine Fraser, RAC Managing Director, added: “Retail crime is on the increase. Why? Basically, because there are little or no consequences for those that commit crime and acts of violence. Over 10,000 incidents were reported to RAC during 2022, up 20% on 2021. The actual amount stolen in 2022 was up 50% on 2021.
“Major support is required from Scottish government such as permanent early intervention/rehabilitation programmes and to provide much more resource to our police force to tackle this ongoing problem.”
