In a clear indication of economic recovery from the pandemic, incidents of shoplifting, one of the most notorious forms of retail crime, have steadily risen in the last four quarters. The trend, marked by a 23% increase in reported shoplifting for the year 2022, has been well documented in police records. While the figures are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, the steady rise over the last year highlights a positive upward trajectory.
According to a recent annual survey conducted by Usdaw, over 31% of violent incidents, threats, and abuse reported by shopworkers in the year 2022 were related to shoplifting, which is a significant increase from previous years. Paddy Lillis, the general secretary of Usdaw, emphasized that theft from shops is a major source of violence, abuse, and a concern for retail workers’ safety. Repeat shoplifters, in particular, can cause anxiety, fear and in some cases, physical harm to workers.
Lillis also pointed out that the rise in shoplifting incidents is a result of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in stores last year. The new normal of social distancing, limiting the number of customers, and tougher monitoring systems have made it more difficult for shoplifters, making it easier for retailers to catch them. He also expressed that shoplifting contributes to rising prices as retailers try to recover their losses from such incidents.
The survey also revealed that three-quarters of retail workers have suffered abuse from customers, with over 50% of those surveyed admitting to having no confidence in the reporting system. Given the appalling statistics of violence and abuse against shopworkers, Lillis called for more to be done by the government and employers to address this issue. He urged retail employers, police, and the courts to work together to ensure that stores become a safe place for workers and customers.
Therefore, as we recover from the pandemic, tackling the issue of shoplifting and retail crime remains a challenge, and more concerted efforts are required to ensure safety in the retail sector. The government and retail employers must put measures in place to address this issue, including more training for retail workers and stronger coordination with relevant authorities.
