Figures from our recently released 2023 ACS Crime Report reveal a staggering number of theft incidents reported by retailers over the past year. The total stands at over 1.1 million incidents, indicating a concerning trend.
According to our Voice of Local Shops Survey, conducted in May, the theft index score reached a noteworthy +29, the highest since the survey’s inception in 2012. This score implies a significant rise in theft cases compared to reductions in such incidents.
Despite these alarming statistics, it is crucial to acknowledge that the reported figures merely scratch the surface. It is highly likely that numerous thefts remain undetected or unreported. Convenience stores, in particular, bear the brunt of theft, making it the most common crime committed against them. Some have suggested that this is due to individuals resorting to theft in order to provide for their families amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Refuting this claim, it is important to note that the reality might be quite different. Our findings indicate that criminal activities related to theft are likely orchestrated by organized gangs or individuals driven by addiction. They target high-value items such as meat, cheese, coffee, or alcohol, subsequently selling these stolen goods to those seeking economic relief by any means necessary.
It is essential to understand that theft does not exist in isolation. If thieves evade apprehension, they become emboldened and more likely to engage in more severe criminal activities. Theft can escalate into abuse, which can further lead to robberies, burglaries, and ultimately, violent incidents involving weapons. Our report reveals that one in four colleagues has reported an increase in violence over the past 12 months.
Retailers are actively taking measures to combat theft. In the previous year, there was an investment of over £228 million in crime-prevention efforts, with a primary focus on enhancing external security features, upgrading CCTV systems, and installing intruder alarms.
However, retailers cannot combat this issue alone; the cooperation and support of the police and the justice system are crucial to apprehending offenders. Retailers need to have confidence in the fact that reported crimes will be thoroughly investigated.
As we approach a general election, it is anticipated that crime will remain a prominent topic of discussion on the political agenda.
**James Lowman**, Chief Executive at the [Association of Convenience Stores (ACS)](https://www.acs.org.uk/), is dedicated to addressing these issues and providing solutions to ensure the safety and prosperity of convenience stores and their communities.