Responding to the publication of the latest Recorded
Crime in Scotland statistics which show a 15 per cent
rise in shop thefts over the past year, to over 50,000
incidents, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy
Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“Shop theft continues to be a blight on our communities. Thieving
from stores isn't a victimless crime. It's a key factor behind
rising levels of abuse and threats towards shop workers and we
know from member feedback that thieves are becoming bolder and
more aggressive. The financial cost is immense. Our most recent
crime report found the total cost of retail crime across the UK
last year was £985 million. That cost is paid for through higher
prices, a worse shopping experience, and undermines the
health and vitality of our high streets
“Whilst the rise in recorded crime is disappointing, it's likely
some of this is a consequence of the increased police response
following the creation of the Retail Crime Taskforce. Retailers
are starting to increase reporting in the hope Police Scotland
will be able to respond more effectively than in the past. So
this rise may not mark an increase in crime; just in retailers
informing the Police.
“However, even these elevated figures are unlikely to capture the
full picture of shop theft. Our crime report found there were
5,451,000 incidents of theft from stores across the UK. That
reaffirms the need for the Retail Crime Taskforce funding be
sustained and enhanced and for the courts to play their
part if we are to truly turn the tide on thieving and crime
against retailers.”
ENDS-
Notes to Editors
