Cost of crime falls, but retailers forced to spend on safer systems

Total losses from retail crime fell in the year 2000 to GB pound 1.41 billion – but spending on crime prevention has increased from GB pound 554 million in 1999 to an estimated GB pound 626 million. An increase of 13%, accounted for by extra security staff as well as the need for additional electronic detection systems.
According to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) ‘8th Retail Crime Survey’, the full impact of crime and crime prevention in 2000 amounted to GB pound 2.044 billion – up from GB pound 2.015 billion in 1999. However, the BRC’s figures also suggest that the overall cost of retail crime has been successfully contained to 0.91% of retail turnover (approximately half the level recorded in the 1994 report).
The survey, sponsored by Reliance Security, states that the cost of customer theft increased by 18%, from GB pound 634 million in 1999 to GB pound 746 million in 2000. Incidences of staff theft, on the other hand, have fallen. Last year, staff pilfering accounted for losses of GB pound 426 million, as opposed to GB pound 538 million in 1999.
Worryingly, violence against staff – including members of security teams – has increased to five per every 1000 employees in the sector. Preventing customer theft was the main cause of reported incidents of violence – firm evidence that retail theft is not a victimless crime.
On a happier note, the BRC’s latest retail round-up observes that incidents of robbery actually fell in 2000 to three per every 100 outlets (from five in 1999). However, terrorist-related activities have doubled – from 1.5 per 100 outlets in 1999 to three per 100 retail outlets. Anti-capitalist protestors and animal rights activists have been the major perpetrators.
Speaking about the BRC’s findings, Bob Ainsworth (Home Office Parliamentary Under Secretary of State) said: “Partnerships between the police, town centre and security managers are the key to retail crime reduction. That is why the success stories being achieved by more than 250 Retail Crime Reduction Partnerships are so important. Quite clearly, smaller retail businesses are suffering significantly higher levels of crime.”

With this in mind, Ainsworth announced a GB pound 15 million package of measures that will make smaller premises far more secure in future.
Also speaking at the survey’s launch, BRC director general Bill Moyes said: “Retail crime must be tackled effectively, not just because of its economic impact but also to avoid its social and human consequences. The survey reveals just how much retailers are having to spend on combating crime, but there are limitations as to how much they can achieve on their own.”

Moyes stressed that drug abuse is a major driver of retail crime. “No less than 22% of thieves are under the age of 18. If the Government is really intent on reducing retail crime and social disorder, it must focus its efforts on reducing drug dependency.”

Copies of the ‘8th Retail Crime Survey: 2000’ are priced at GB pound 100. Telephone 08457 023474 for ordering details.

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