Shop Crime Report

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has been presented with a report this week highlighting the problems that shops and other retailers are facing with increasing crime.  The report by the Conservative Retail Crime Commission outlines how neglect of retail crime has had a debilitating effect on local communities and businesses and makes recommendations for change.

Thefts from shops are now at their highest level since 1997 having risen ten per cent in one year from 290,624 incidents in 2007/8 to 320,846 in 2008/9.  Even more alarming, thefts with violence in shops rose by 11 per cent between 2007 and 2008.  The cost of crime against business now stands at a staggering £12.6 billion with retailers experiencing the highest number of crimes amongst all business sectors in 2008.

The Commission recommends that:

• The existing sanctions regime should be reformed so that Fixed Penalty Notices are only used for first time offences and are recorded to ensure repeat offenders are identified.
• Community based sanctions are used for first time offences, helping restore confidence to the public and social responsibility among perpetrators.
• Police must be obliged to record where crime occurs in retail premises and citizens given access to crime statistics so they can hold police to account for crime in their locality.
• Police forces must be encouraged to collaborate and share information to address cross-border criminal activity.
• Drug policy should be focused on breaking the cycle of addiction and acquisitive crime by getting addicts off drugs rather than maintaining them in addiction. 
• Greater emphasis should also be given to intervening early to deal with the underlying causes of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Commission which was chaired by Philip Dunne MP, the former Chairman of Ottakar’s booksellers, presented its findings to James Brokenshire in his role as the Shadow Minister for Crime Reduction in order that its recommendations can be considered by him as part of future policy proposals. 

Commenting, James said:

"I welcome the publication of this report and thank the Commission for their work.  I will be considering closely the proposals which have been made.  Shop theft has been largely ignored in recent years with police forces being told to de-prioritise it.  Offenders receive little more than a slap on the wrist even when they are caught.  It's hardly surprising that we are now seeing a sharp rise in shoplifting with all of the consequences for businesses and communities that have to count the cost."

British Retail Consortium Director General Stephen Robertson said:
 
"Retail crime is not petty and it's not victimless. It imposes a major human cost for staff who find themselves on the receiving end of abuse and violence and a huge financial cost that undermines retailers' ability to play their vital role at the heart of local economies and communities. It should be taken seriously. We are delighted to have contributed to the work of the retail crime commission. We welcome its recommendations and the recognition that retail crime needs tackling urgently and comprehensively."

Phillip Hagon, Head of Corporate Security at J Sainsbury said:

"Retail crime is often regarded as a victimless crime but nothing could be further from the truth. Retail crime funds many other areas of serious crime, often leads to injury or trauma and causes serious public harm. The Commission has rightly recognised the importance of vigorously combating retail crime and we welcome these findings"

Andy Godfrey, Public Policy Manager at Alliance Boots commented:

“Attractive town and city centres with vibrant High Streets are important for all communities, and they make a vital contribution to the quality of people’s lives. Communities want thriving town centres, recognising them as providing a unique retail, leisure and cultural offer. A welcoming, attractive, crime free environment is a vital component for any successful High Street.

“Without sufficient focus, or policy support, retail crime can have a devastating effect on town centres, and have a major impact on retailers, their employees and customers. The need to ensure that retail crime is afforded a higher priority is paramount to maintaining safer shopping environments, and Boots has been keen to participate in, and contribute to, the Commission's Report.”

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