Police professional | Police and government ‘turn a blind eye to shoplifting’, say independent shopkeepers

Police and government ‘turn a blind eye to shoplifting’, say independent shopkeepers

Independent retailers are demanding tougher policing, more bobbies on the beat and tougher penalties as shoplifting hits a record high, a new survey has found.

Image: BRC

Ninety-one percent of respondents to a survey by the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) called for more police patrols on the streets, while a similar number (90 percent) said shoplifters should face harsher penalties.

Seven in ten respondents (72 percent) say their stores have experienced shoplifting, burglary and property damage, while they and their staff have been physically or verbally threatened.

Just under half (47 percent) said they and their employees had been threatened or faced abuse and violence when they asked for proof of their age before selling an age-restricted product.

Forty-four percent reported that they and their staff had experienced abuse or violence for refusing to make a proxy sale – selling an age-restricted product to a customer who was purchasing for a minor.

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

According to the ONS, 469,788 offenses were recorded by police in the year to June 2024 – an increase of 29 per cent on the previous twelve months.

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

Commenting on the research, Federation National President Mo Razzaq said: “Inadequate police responses and a slap on the wrist for offenders means shoplifting is on the rise and offenders are becoming more aggressive and brazen.”

“It is clear from the responses we have received that real action is needed from the police, the courts and the government to stem the overwhelming wave of crime against retailers and their staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and to protect their business from criminals.

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

“If the government continues with its plans to phase out smoking and vaping through a progressive ban to phase out the sale of tobacco products across the country, independent retailers will be exposed to even greater levels of violence, abuse and theft.”

Mr Razzaq called for action from the government and not just words. “Without an effective deterrent, criminals and opportunistic citizens will continue to commit crimes.”

According to Ministry of Justice statistics, 431 fines were issued for shoplifting under £100 during the year to March 2024, while Ministry of Justice statistics for the same period show 2,252 warnings accepted for shoplifting.