According to the latest Office of National Statistics data, shoplifting in England and Wales increased by 24% in the year to March 2023. Larger stores are taking steps to enhance security by deploying additional CCTV cameras, equipping their workers with body cameras, and increasing the number of security guards to better protect their staff from theft, attacks, and abuse. However, smaller retailers face difficulties due to tighter margins, making it challenging for them to follow suit.
The Federal Association of Independent Retailers (Fed) and the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) have expressed their appreciation for the commitment of police forces to investigate every theft and pursue every reasonable lead to combat crime. However, they argue that their members need access to high-quality security measures, such as CCTV and panic buttons, which many of them cannot afford.
To address these concerns, a letter to the policing minister proposes a grant worth up to £1,500 per retailer to enable smaller shops to improve their security measures. Not only would this act as a deterrent to potential crimes, but it would also assist police forces in solving crimes and providing better protection for local communities.
Muntazir Dipoti, the Fed’s national president, highlights that shop theft is far from being a victimless crime. It negatively impacts independent retailers on a daily basis and poses significant threats to their business viability. Dipoti acknowledges that shoplifting incidents are becoming increasingly violent and attributes some of the root causes to the current cost-of-living crisis, which drives desperate individuals to shoplift due to financial difficulties.
Dipoti emphasizes that the burden of crime prevention should not solely rest on retailers’ shoulders. Government intervention is essential to safeguard retailers, especially smaller shops. Security measures can be expensive to purchase and install, which is why shop owners require support in protecting themselves, their staff, and their livelihoods.
Coinciding with the launch of its Safe, Secure, Supported campaign, the Fed’s letter to the policing minister aims to spotlight the impact of shop theft on independent retailers and their communities. Dipoti expresses concern that many retailers refrain from reporting shop theft due to inadequate responses from the police. He calls for greater energy and priority to be devoted to tackling shop theft, both by the police and the justice system. Additionally, independent retailers should receive financial support to invest in higher-quality CCTV systems that will enhance their security.
In a recent report, the BBC interviewed Benedict Selvaratnam, the owner of a convenience store in South London. Selvaratnam believes that the shoplifting situation is worsening because shoplifters are aware that the police won’t attend incidents promptly. He emphasizes that this lack of police response emboldens criminals and motivates others to engage in similar activities.
In response, the Metropolitan Police noted that it is not feasible for the force to respond to every case of shoplifting due to high demand. However, they assured that officers would be dispatched whenever appropriate.
