September 19th 2023.
Shop workers across the UK are calling on police officers to take more action to combat the ‘unprecedented levels’ of theft and abuse that is blighting communities. In a letter to police and crime commissioners, a coalition of businesses and staff have urged forces to make it easier for them to pass on crucial evidence and boost efforts to find serial offenders.
Both Home Secretary Suella Braverman and policing minister Chris Philp have already called on police to be tougher on shoplifting.
The British Retail Consortium estimates theft costs retailers nearly £1 billion per year, while the Association of Convenience Stores says nine in 10 workers have experienced verbal abuse. Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, commented: ‘Retail crime is getting worse – thieves are becoming bolder, and more aggressive. Violent and abusive behaviour is on the rise.’
The coalition is made up of the ACS, the BRC, the British Independent Retail Association, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Federation of Independent Retailers, and shopworkers’ union Usdaw. In the letter, they outlined a three-pronged approach to combat the issue. These are: making it easier for retailers to report crime and submit evidence, identifying prolific offenders, and prioritising collecting evidence related to violent attacks.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has been approached for comment, and Katy Bourne, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners lead for business and retail crime, has responded. She said: ‘I completely understand the sectors’ frustration and their concerns for their members. I’ve seen for myself the fear, the harm and the damage that too many shop staff and retailers are experiencing.’
Some forces are reviewing ways to make reporting shoplifting easier, while Sussex already has a number in place including one that reduces the time needed from 30 minutes to two. There is also Operation Pegasus, a scheme to gather intelligence about organised crime groups who shoplift. Ms Bourne added: ‘I’d also like to see prolific shoplifters monitored with electronic tags, as happens with persistent domestic abuse perpetrators and burglars, so I’ll be raising this with ministers and officials.’
It is clear that more needs to be done to combat this issue. Retailers are investing nearly £1 billion into crime prevention measures in the last year, and now it is time for police forces to step up and take action. This is not a victimless crime, and only by taking meaningful steps will we be able to bring levels of violence, abuse and theft down for good.
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