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Crime Against Retailers Reaches New High
Listed under: News
Published: Friday, February 19, 2010
The level of criminal activity in independent retail outlets has risen significantly over the past 12 months, costing business owners up to £6,091 in lost profits, according to a new report from retail support group, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
The findings, which reveal that the number of burglaries and robberies from retail outlets in 2009 rose a whopping 30% and 19% respectively, show that the cost of each crime has also increased rapidly, rising 11% for every robbery and a staggering 190% for each bulglary.
The body has called on the Government and police to do more to help retailers prevent their premises from crime and is advising small business owners to put crime prevention at the top of their agenda this year
James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS, says, “These figures show a worrying increase in robberies and a shocking rise in the cost of burglaries over the past year, illustrating the need for more effective crime prevention measures in local shops.
"Too often, community stores are left exposed to the threat of violent and acquisitive crime without the support they deserve from local police and agencies.”
Commenting on the lack of support from the Government and police at present, Mr Lowman suggests business owners could be forced to take matters into their own hands over the next 12 months. “Retailers need to take the initiative and engage with the police and local partnerships, however, these agencies must also be more attuned to the real problems faced by retailers and their staff,” he concludes.
Has your business been the victim of crime over the past year? Email your stories to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The findings, which reveal that the number of burglaries and robberies from retail outlets in 2009 rose a whopping 30% and 19% respectively, show that the cost of each crime has also increased rapidly, rising 11% for every robbery and a staggering 190% for each bulglary.
The body has called on the Government and police to do more to help retailers prevent their premises from crime and is advising small business owners to put crime prevention at the top of their agenda this year
James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS, says, “These figures show a worrying increase in robberies and a shocking rise in the cost of burglaries over the past year, illustrating the need for more effective crime prevention measures in local shops.
"Too often, community stores are left exposed to the threat of violent and acquisitive crime without the support they deserve from local police and agencies.”
Commenting on the lack of support from the Government and police at present, Mr Lowman suggests business owners could be forced to take matters into their own hands over the next 12 months. “Retailers need to take the initiative and engage with the police and local partnerships, however, these agencies must also be more attuned to the real problems faced by retailers and their staff,” he concludes.
Has your business been the victim of crime over the past year? Email your stories to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
