The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is calling on police forces to introduce a ‘Most Wanted’ list for prolific shop thieves as part of new plans to tackle repeat offending.
The call comes as figures from the industry body’s annual Crime Report shows that their theft index has reached new record levels. The record was previously broken last quarter after standing for over 10 years.
The ACS Crime Report estimates that there were over 1.1m incidents of theft reported last year. The most commonly stolen items as reported by retailers are meat, alcohol and confectionery – typically high-value items that can then be sold on.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The levels of theft that retailers are experiencing on a daily basis are unprecedented. Repeat offenders, known to the community and known to the police, are stealing without fear of reproach. The cost of living crisis has increased the level of theft, but this isn’t driven by people falling on hard times turning to crime, it’s organised criminal gangs and addicts stealing to fund their drug or alcohol problems. This cannot be allowed to continue.
“Official crime figures barely scratch the surface of the problems that retailers are facing. The Government, Police and Crime Commissioners, and local forces need to take urgent action to stop this national crimewave in its tracks and send a clear message that repeat offenders will be dealt with properly.”
NAM Implications:
- Stealing for resale is but one aspect of the shrink.
- Stealing by cash-strapped shoppers for home consumption/survival raises a dilemma…
- …whether to prosecute and suffer the inevitable negative reaction by the public.
