A Co-op executive has warned that stores are descending into “anarchy” as staff face a sharp rise in retail crime.
Operations director Kate Graham said they were facing prolific shoplifting to order and a rise in armed robberies.
UK stores have seen a 35% increase in crime in the past year and more than 900 staff were physically assaulted.
Read the full article on the BBC website
NAM Implications:
- Shoplifting probably being under-reported because of:
- Difficulty in apprehending thieves on site.
- Growing perception of police ‘apathy’.
- Key issue is the high cost to a retailer of recovering from ‘stock loss’.
- i.e. theft of a £5 pack for a retailer making an average pre-tax net margin of 2%…
- …means incremental sales of £250 are required to cover the loss.
- But more importantly, retailers are restricting access to high-theft products (tags etc.)…
- …thereby reducing the quality of the shopping experience.
