Rising Shoplifting Rates in Scotland Pose a Threat to Businesses and Workers
Shoplifting rates in Scotland have seen a significant increase in recent years, posing a threat to businesses and workers across the country. According to the latest recorded crime statistics, there were 28,619 reported shoplifting crimes in Scotland in the 2022-23 period, a 25% increase compared to the previous year. While some of this rise can be attributed to Covid-19 restrictions, the rates are still 3% higher than they were a decade ago.
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) have expressed concerns that organized crime syndicates may be behind some of the thefts, targeting entire towns before moving on. Additionally, the real crime figures are likely to be significantly higher than the official statistics, as many retailers choose not to report low-value thefts to the police.
A recent survey conducted by the Scottish Grocers Federation revealed that 100% of retailers are regularly affected by crime. The Co-op, a major retailer, has warned that the soaring levels of retail crime could result in some communities becoming no-go areas for their shops. In the UK as a whole, retailers lost £953 million to theft last year, with Scotland accounting for nearly a tenth of that figure, according to the Scottish Retail Consortium.
Apart from the economic impact on businesses, shoplifting incidents often lead to abuse and violence towards shop workers. According to a survey by the trade union Usdaw, 31% of incidents of violence, threats, and abuse experienced by shop workers in 2022 were related to shoplifting.
To address this concerning trend, Scotland introduced the Protection of Workers (Retail) Act in 2021, following a campaign by the Scottish Grocers Federation and Labour’s Daniel Johnson. Since its implementation, there have been 6,591 reported cases under the legislation, with a detection rate of 61%.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, highlighted the significant financial cost of shoplifting, estimating it to have cost Scottish retailers around £90 million in the past year. These losses ultimately result in less money being available for keeping prices down, staff wages and training, and store improvements. Dr. Pete Cheema, Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers Federation, emphasized the need for retailers to report all in-store crimes and highlighted the negative impact of retail crime on workers’ well-being and their families.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie assured the public that every reported crime would be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. He also noted that while there has been a 13.5% increase in acquisitive crime compared to the previous year, the rates remain lower than the five-year average and pre-pandemic levels. Housebreaking incidents are significantly lower than before the pandemic, and shoplifting and vehicle crime rates are below the five-year average despite year-on-year increases.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service encouraged victims or witnesses of shoplifting offenses to come forward and report them to the police. They assured the public that the reports would be carefully considered, and appropriate prosecutorial action would be taken if the reports contained sufficient admissible evidence.
The rising shoplifting rates in Scotland highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts between retailers, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers to combat this issue effectively. By implementing measures to prevent and deter crime, providing support to affected businesses and workers, and fostering community engagement, Scotland can strive towards a safer retail environment for all.
