Lidl and Netto have become the latest food retailers to adopt the practice of civil recovery to combat shoplifting and staff theft. Netto director John Buitekant said: "The system is on trial, and trials will continue for the next few months. So far we have had some reasonable returns and we are starting to recoup some of our losses caused by shoplifting." Retail Loss Prevention director professor Joshua Bamfield said: "In terms of the food trade, all the major retailers from Asda to Waitrose are now in the scheme. The practice is also becoming widespread with logistics companies and independents; we are negotiating with Aberness and AF Blakemore to bring 30 Mace and Spar stores online by the end of April." Retail Loss Prevention's programme helps retailers claim compensation from thieves through the civil courts to cover the cost of stolen goods and related expenses. Bamfield said retailers and logistics providers were increasingly using the system to recoup losses from staff who had been caught pilfering, as it was easier to take them to court than customers. Retail Loss Prevention is forecasting it will recover £600,000 for its 57 national retailer members this year. l The Association of Convenience Stores will be encouraging visitors to this month's convenience retailing show in Birmingham to sign up to the ACS Direct civil recovery scheme for independents. {{NEWS }}

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