The British retail industry, along with the shopworkers union USDAW, has called on police leaders in England and Wales to take action against the growing issue of shop theft. In a letter addressed to the Police and Crime Commissioners, the industry groups urged the police to support a plan to combat the torrent of theft plaguing the sector.
According to estimates from the British Retail Consortium, the cost of theft in the retail sector has now reached a staggering £1 billion ($1.24 billion) per year. Notably, local convenience stores are reporting the highest levels of shop theft seen in the last ten years. Major retailers like John Lewis Partnership and Primark have also voiced their concerns, with John Lewis reporting a £12 million increase in theft during the first half of this year.
In response to the rise in shoplifting, Tesco has even equipped its staff with body cameras to address the increase in store crime. The letter to the Police and Crime Commissioners highlighted the need for easier crime reporting and evidence-sharing, particularly CCTV footage, to aid retailers. The industry groups request that police resources be focused on removing repeat offenders from the streets and collecting evidence of violent attacks against shopworkers.
The letter emphasized that shop theft is often linked to violence and abuse towards store employees, with prolific offenders and organized crime gangs frequently involved in these crimes. The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ lead for business and retail, Sussex PCC Katy Bourne, expressed her understanding of the frustrations faced by the retail sector and assured her collaboration with the police to improve their response.
However, Bourne acknowledged the significant demands placed on police forces and their limited resources. While she is working to address the concerns raised by businesses, she noted that the policing response has often fallen short of expectations. The retail industry and USDAW hope that by addressing this issue head-on, they can alleviate the burden faced by shopworkers and mitigate the risks associated with shop theft.
In conclusion, the British retail industry and USDAW are urging police leaders in England and Wales to take immediate action against the rising wave of shop theft. With crime rates reaching unprecedented levels and concerns over the safety and well-being of shopworkers, industry groups are calling for increased collaboration between retailers and the police to combat this issue effectively. By focusing on removing repeat offenders from the streets and collecting evidence of violent attacks, they hope to stem the tide of theft and make retail environments safer for both employees and customers alike.
