This national initiative is a focused week of activities designed to tackle business crime effectively. By promoting prevention, intelligence sharing, targeted enforcement, and community engagement, we aim to combat rising crime that poses a severe threat to retailers. Working together with police forces, businesses, and the public, we encourage collaborative solutions.
During this dedicated week, various activities will be highlighted, including high visibility patrols, crime prevention training, information sharing, and the apprehension of prolific offenders. We will also shine a spotlight on the ShopKind campaign, which aims to combat retail violence.
Expressing our support for this collaborative effort, Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO, affirms, “We strongly back this national week of action to tackle business crime. Independent retailers have been greatly impacted by theft, fraud, and violence, so urgent action is needed to protect employees and sustain vibrant high streets.”
A recent survey conducted by the British Retail Consortium revealed a concerning 27% increase in retail crime incidents over the past year. Customer theft losses alone now exceed £2.8bn annually.
Furthermore, many of our Bira members report a decline in foot traffic and lost sales due to safety concerns.
Goodacre emphasizes, “Rising crime not only jeopardizes the survival of independent shops but also damages the reputation of local high streets. By raising awareness through this national week of action, we aim to make substantial improvements in safety and security.”
As part of our efforts, we urge independent retailers to connect with local police, thereby facilitating the sharing of intelligence, requesting crime prevention guidance, and aiding in the prosecution of habitual offenders. Additionally, we encourage citizens to show their support by participating in the ShopKind initiative.
“Collaboration between police, businesses, and the public is paramount in turning the tide. Together, we can ensure that shopping locally is safe and welcoming for all,” concludes Goodacre.
