BIRA, working in partnership with over 6,000 independent businesses throughout the UK, has introduced a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to tackle the mounting concerns surrounding retail crime, particularly theft and violence, from the perspective of independent traders.
According to Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, it is crucial to report all crimes for this method to be effective. He emphasizes the need to report these crimes as it is the most efficient way to prioritize police involvement. Collaboration with law enforcement is vital in restoring safety and confidence among retailers.
Bira has been actively voicing concerns about the recent surge in retail crime and its impact on the independent retail sector. This initiative resulted in meetings with the minister for policing, police and crime commissioners, chief constables, and other retail groups, reaffirming the urgent need to address these issues and boost retailer confidence.
Bira’s contribution to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) survey highlights the severity of the situation. The survey reveals a shocking 27% increase in reported incidents over the past 12 months, with the total value of theft exceeding £2.8bn. This escalating problem, combined with the rising violence against retail employees, calls for a more proactive approach from relevant authorities.
To regain control of our high streets, Bira advocates for several critical measures:
1. Simplifying the process of reporting crimes and submitting relevant evidence, eliminating the hours-long ordeal faced by some retailers when completing online forms.
2. Targeting regular offenders with prosecutions and banning orders, as a high percentage of crimes are committed by this group.
3. Providing clarity on the use of evidence and images, including CCTV and mobile recordings.
4. Increasing police presence on high streets by leveraging the higher numbers of police officers and PCSOs.
5. Ensuring that convictions lead to custodial sentences for perpetrators.
6. Dismantling the networks employed by organized criminals to traffic stolen goods.
High streets have encountered numerous challenges in recent years, from the Covid pandemic to a cost-of-living crisis. Failing to curb shop theft and anti-social behaviors threatens to transform our high streets into no-go zones, jeopardizing a vital aspect of our society.
Despite the growth of online shopping, figures show that more than 70% of retail sales still occur in physical stores. High streets foster community interactions, social gatherings, and meaningful connections.
Bira acknowledges that while the retail landscape is evolving, our high streets remain essential for creating welcoming and safe spaces. According to Goodacre, isolation can have detrimental effects on people, as experienced during the Covid pandemic. High streets provide essential contact, social gatherings, and opportunities for interaction. Therefore, they require our support now more than ever to ensure their preservation.
The commitment by police forces to pursue leads and solve crimes is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Bira stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to enhance security and safety on our high streets.