Crime against large retailers perceived as 'victimless', warns G4S report

17 Jan 10

Despite the recession, the number of people admitting to shoplifting has declined by almost 8% over the past 12 months, according to the Sixth Annual Retail Crime Survey by G4S Secure Solutions (UK).

By Brian Sims

However, retail shrinkage remains a significant issue, with approximately 2.4 million British adults admitting to shoplifting goods valued at over £650 million (down from around £780 million last year).

Although overall levels of shoplifting appear to be down, G4S warned prior to Christmas that the pressure to give expensive presents, despite many family budgets being stretched to breaking point, was tempting thousands of Britons to shoplift.

Research revealed that almost 500,000 adults admitted they would consider shoplifting this last Festive Season to provide a present for a friend or family member.

Larger retailers are particularly at risk. The survey reveals that over the last 12 months around one in ten (12%) shoplifters stole because they believed the ‘store was a big retailer so it would not matter’, stated G4S.

Major threat to retailers

While the majority admit to stealing items worth between £1 and £25, over 60,000 people admitted to stealing goods worth more than £500 in total during the last 12 months.

Commenting on the survey results, Douglas Greenwell – sales and marketing director at G4S Secure Solutions (UK – said: “Shoplifting remains a major threat to retailers. Of course, it’s a particular problem around Christmas and during the Festive Season sales period.”

Greenwell added: “It’s a real concern that so many people were ready to consider stealing items as gifts for friends and family and, with the January sales continuing, we urge consumers to be vigilant to shoplifting if they are involved in last-minute bargain hunting. Ultimately, consumers pay for stolen goods as retailers look to recoup their losses from this type of crime.”

In conclusion, Greenwell stated: “Although retail outlets already devote significant resources to tackling the problem of shrinkage from shoplifting, it’s clear that some retailers are seen as a soft target by would-be shoplifters.”

Reasons why respondents shoplifted over the last 12 months

“I removed it accidentally from the store” (1.7 million adults)
“The store was a big retailer so I didn’t think it would matter” (293,000)
“I didn’t have the money to purchase the item” (172,000)
“I thought the item was overpriced” (154,000)
“I thought I could get away with it as there didn’t seem to be much security” (142,000)
“I did it for the thrill” (81,000)
“I’ve lost my job so money is tight” (67,000)
“Peer group pressure” (19,000)
“To resell the item to raise money” (19,000)
“I can’t afford the items I used to buy but don’t want to sacrifice my standard of living” (15,000)

Source: G4S Secure Solutions (UK), November 2009

Professor Martin Gill, the director of Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International (PRCI), commented: “These findings are a timely reminder that some people consider retailers fair game when it comes to theft. The more stores can make it difficult to remove items, even accidentally, the greater the opportunity to prevent theft.”

Gill added: “Properly trained and motivated staff alongside appropriate security solutions that work are essential requirements for all retailers to ensure they minimise the chances of becoming victims of shoplifting. If they don’t, offenders are likely to find them an easy target.”

Review all security procedures

G4S is urging all retailers to review their security procedures and to take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of retail theft by ensuring that they have robust security protocols. These should include visible security officers who are trained to look out for shoplifters, electronic surveillance such as CCTV and alarm systems and covert security.

There are a number of basic steps that small retailers can take to reduce losses, such as removing expensive merchandise from near shop entrances and ensuring clear sight lines throughout a store.

For the survey, 2,010 GB adults aged over 18 years were interviewed online by ICM between 27- 29 November last year. Surveys were conducted across the country, and the results weighted to the profile of all adults.

ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules