Independent retailers say more action needed to tackle shoplifting

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) says the latest crime figures from the Office for National Statistics highlight the urgent need for police and courts to take a tougher stance on shoplifting.

The statistics released last week revealed that reported incidents of shoplifting rose by 20% to 530,643 offences last year to mark the highest figure since current police recording practices began.

The Fed’s national president Hetal Patel said: “The figures are alarming enough, but in reality, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many more incidents go unreported, due to a lack of confidence in the response from police and inadequate punishment from the courts when shoplifters do actually appear in court.

“Our recent survey of Fed members found that 72% of respondents had experienced shoplifting, break-ins and damage to their property and that they and their staff had been physically or verbally threatened.”

Last month, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson announced there would be extra police patrols and local action, including stronger prevention and enforcement action by police and councils as part of the Safer Streets summer blitz.

Patel said: “While we welcome this crackdown, it must not end up being just a temporary measure. We need stronger and continuous action to curb the escalating scourge of shoplifting and abuse directed at our members and their businesses.

“Shop theft is often seen as a victimless crime, but this is not the case. It takes a heavy toll mentally, physically and financially on shop owners, their families and their employees. At the same time, the financial costs of retail crime will eventually impact on customers through inflated prices.”

He added: “The government appears to be making the right noises on tackling retail crime, but we continue to demand the introduction of more effective measures, such as making grants for better security systems available to smaller retailers.

“We want stable businesses to provide for ourselves and our loved ones, and we want to be safe from harm when we go to work.”