A concerning call has been made in light of the latest figures from the Association of Convenience Stores’ annual Crime Report, published today (22 June). The report reveals that the theft index has reached unprecedented levels, breaking the previous record that had stood for over a decade. This highlights the urgent need for action to address this alarming trend.
According to the ACS Crime Report, over 1.1 million theft incidents were reported last year. Retailers have reported that some of the most commonly stolen items include meat, alcohol, and confectionery – high-value goods that can be easily sold by individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, or be part of larger organized crime operations.
James Lowman, the CEO of ACS, has emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the level of theft experienced by retailers on a daily basis is unparalleled. He believes that repeat offenders, who are well-known to the community and law enforcement agencies, are committing theft with a sense of impunity. While the cost of living crisis has played a role in the rise of theft, it is crucial to acknowledge that organized criminal groups and addicts are primarily responsible for these crimes. This unacceptable reality must be effectively addressed without delay.
Fiona Malone, a retailer from Tenby, affirms that many of the thieves targeting her shop are recognized within the community and by the police. She stresses the importance of improving efforts to apprehend these offenders and ensure they face appropriate consequences. Unfortunately, thieves are aware that the police often pay little attention to thefts involving items valued under £50.
In response to the escalating retail crime, ACS is calling on both the government and police forces to take robust action and provide greater support to local businesses. The proposed five-point plan encompasses several key measures:
- Introduction of a ‘Most Wanted’ list of shop thieves in each police force area, enabling prolific offenders to be banned from retail areas or referred to rehabilitation programs.
- Review of the impact of recent legislation that categorizes attacks against public-facing workers, including shop staff, as aggravated offenses.
- Investment in rehabilitation programs for offenders to break the cycle of reoffending and ineffective punishment.
- Encouragement of local forces to utilize existing tools, such as the Community Trigger and Community Remedy powers, to address anti-social behavior effectively.
- Promotion of incentives for businesses to invest in crime prevention measures.
Additional noteworthy findings from the Crime Report are as follows:
- 63% of shop thefts are perpetrated by repeat offenders.
- 79% of retailers believe that the prevailing cost of living crisis has contributed to an increase in theft incidents.
- 87% of convenience store staff have encountered verbal abuse within the past year.
- Retailers estimate that only 16% of crimes committed against their businesses are reported to the police.
- In the preceding year, convenience retailers invested £228 million in crime prevention measures.
ACS is launching the Crime Report in Parliament today, elevating awareness of the detrimental impact of theft, abuse, and violent crime on convenience retailers nationwide, across every constituency.
You can access the complete Crime Report here.