Independent retailers are demanding tougher police action, more street patrols, and harsher punishments to offset soaring shoplifting levels, new data by the Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) has revealed.
The survey, to which 651 retailers responded, found 91% had called for more police patrols on streets, while 90% said shoplifters should be handed harsher sentences.
These views were in response to shoplifting cases reaching an all-time high, with seven out of 10 respondents saying stores had experienced theft, break-ins and damage to property.
The data also revealed that 47% of retailers said they and their employees had been threatened, abused or suffered violence when asking for proof of age ahead of selling alcohol or cigarettes.
Forty-four per cent reported they and their staff had also encountered similar behaviour when they had refused to make a proxy sale – such as 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 for National Statistics revealed that shoplifting cases rose by 29% to 469,788 offences for the year ending June 2024. It marks the highest figure since current police recording practices began for the year ending March 2003.
“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,” said the Fed national president Mo Razzaq.
“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.
“Without effective deterrent, criminals and opportunistic members of the public will continue to commit crimes.”
No comments yet