BRC survey reveals human cost of crime

Published on 30 Nov 2007

The latest British Retail Consortium survey has revealed that theft from shops and violence towards retail staff has risen in 2007.

The survey showed that the cost of theft is an estimated &205 million, up from &189 million in 2006. The estimates are considered to be conservative as the survey concentrated only on detected thefts. It is believed that as much as 75% of thefts go undetected putting the true cost closer to &830 million.

Incidents of physical violence towards staff are up 50% compared to last year. The figures have again highlighted the widely held belief amongst store owners and operators that the police do not take retail crime seriously.

British Retail Consortium Director General Kevin Hawkins said,

"Last year shop staff were subjected to around half a million incidents of abuse or violence in their work places and retailers clocked up even greater losses to theft. It's clear the current approach is not working. The Government and law enforcers must stop believing retail crime as victimless and committed by harmless petty criminals. Most shop thieves are driven by drug addiction. They are certainly responsible for other crimes. They have a significant impact on our communities".
"In pledging an increased emphasis on 'Neighbourhood Policing' and, so called, policing by participation the Government must recognise retailers are a valuable asset to our communities and that shop workers are citizens within those communities, worthy of protection. Not just part of a large industry that can go on taking this annual beating."