'' Sep 20, 2023
#ThisMorning
Shopkeepers and retail bosses are demanding urgent action to tackle the epidemic of shoplifting sweeping Britain’s high streets. With many shops taking matters into their own hands and putting in place their own measures to protect their staff and products. Paul Gerrard, Campaigns and Public Affairs Director for Co-op, says police and army veterans working undercover for the chain are catching shoplifters only to have to let them go because police are ignoring nearly 80% of cases. We're joined by Paul Gerrard and David Wilson to tell us more about this crime epidemic.''
The grocery chain says stores across the country are struggling with a rise in retail crime.
www.bbc.com
''A Co-op boss has warned that stores are descending into "anarchy" as staff face a sharp rise in retail crime.
Operations director Kate Graham said the company was facing prolific shoplifting to order and a rise in armed robberies.
UK stores have seen a 35% increase in crime in the past year and more than 900 staff were physically assaulted.
The Scottish Grocers' Federation said a survey had found all of its members now experienced theft on a daily basis.''
Euan Healy in London YESTERDAY
Groups from Primark to John Lewis warn surge in shoplifting and abuse of staff is hitting profitability
www.ft.com
'' Amil Mostafa feels he is fighting a losing battle. “Someone tries at least three times a day,” the Mountain Warehouse supervisor said of attempts to steal merchandise from the branch of the outdoor retailer where he works. “Recently, a guy ran in and grabbed six jackets, worth about £290, £300 each, and I had to chase him out of the shop,” said Mostafa, describing how the shoplifter’s friend had stood by the door of the shop in London’s north Islington to try to block his attempt to give chase.''
'' This week, a coalition of the UK’s largest retail associations, including the British Retail Consortium and the Association of Convenience Stores, sent a letter to every police and crime commissioner in England and Wales decrying a level of shoplifting that they said was having an enormous financial impact on businesses.''