Police Professional | Police and government ‘turning a blind eye to shoplifting’, say independent retailers

Police and government ‘turning a blind eye to shoplifting’, say independent retailers

Independent retailers are demanding tougher police action, more bobbies on the beat and harsher punishments as shoplifting levels reach an all-time high, a new survey reveals.

Picture: BRC

Ninety-one per cent of respondents to a survey conducted by the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) called for more police patrols on streets, while a similar number – 90 per cent – ​​said that shoplifters should be handed harsher sentences.

Seven out of ten respondents (72 per cent) said their stores had experienced shoplifting, break-ins and damage to property, while they and their staff had been physically or verbally threatened.

Just under half (47 per cent) said they and their employees had been threatened or had suffered abuse and violence when asking for proof of age ahead of selling an age-restricted product.

Forty-four per cent reported that they and their staff had faced abuse or violence because they had refused to make a proxy sale – selling an age restricted product to a customer buying for a minor.

The results of the Fed’s survey came as new figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed that shoplifting was at a record high, with almost half a million offenses recorded last year.

According to the ONS, 469,788 offenses were logged by police forces in the year to June 2024 – a 29 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

The ONS added that this figure was the highest since records began in March 2003.

Commenting on the survey, Federation national president Mo Razzaq said: “Inadequate responses from the police and a slap on the wrist for offenders means that shoplifting is soaring, and offenders are becoming more aggressive and brazen.”

“From the responses we received, it is clear that real action is needed by police, by courts and by the Government to stem the overwhelming tide of crime against retailers and their staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and for their businesses to be protected against criminals.

“Fed members are also sending a clear message that one of the catalysts for verbal and physical abuse in stores is asking for proof of age before selling an age restricted product.

“If the Government presses ahead with its plans to phase out smoking and vaping through a progressive ban to gradually end the sale of tobacco products across the country, independent retailers will be subject to even greater levels of violence, abuse and theft.”

Calling for action from the Government and not just words, Mr Razzaq added: “Without effective deterrent, criminals and opportunistic members of the public will continue to commit crimes.”

According to Ministry of Justice statistics, during the year to March 2024, 431 fines were handed out for retail theft under £100, while Home Office statistics for the same period show that 2,252 cautions were accepted for shoplifting.