theft

Theft and violence costing retailers hundreds of thousands of pounds per year

Shopkeepers step up measures to combat rising crime

Almost three-quarters of retailers surveyed have suffered from crime in the last 12 months
Crime costing retailers nearly £60,000 per year on average – with some losing more than £500,000
Retailers forced to adopt protective measures like bodycams, panic alarms and self-defence training
British Retail Consortium says ‘scourge in retail crime must be stamped out’
NFU Mutual issues key prevent and protect advice

New figures lay bare the true cost of crime to the UK’s high-street, as retailers look to take desperate measures in the face of an alarming rise in theft and violence.

The research* from commercial insurer NFU Mutual shows that nearly three-quarters of retailers (74%) surveyed have suffered from crime over the past 12 months – costing shops an average of almost £60,000 in that time. Shockingly, NFU Mutual found that one in 20 retailers had lost half a million pounds to crime over the same time period.

In a bid to try and combat the costly and widespread issue, almost two-thirds of retailers say they have had to take security measures in the last year alone. That includes a variety of physical and technological protection, with a quarter employing full-time security and 66% installing CCTV.

Some businesses have resorted to more drastic measures to protect staff, with 32% training employees on safety and self-defence, and just shy of a quarter giving staff both bodycams (24%) and nearly as many giving staff panic alarms on their person and on counters (23%).

The rise in crime is felt beyond monetary loss alone, with more than a third of retailers (37%) saying it’s impacted their mental health and three in 10 admitting they live in fear of theft or violence on their store.

Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “Our study shows a worrying number of our retailers are falling victim to crime, which continues to plague our shops, and more than eight in 10 (81%) believe it has increased in the last year.

“With retailers on average suffering losses of around £60,000 a year as a result of theft, the results of this survey will concern the industry.

“And the impact of this ongoing crime wave clearly extends way beyond a cost perspective, with a worrying number saying incidents have had a negative impact on their mental health and others constantly living in fear they will be targeted.

“What is clear, and important to see, is people are making a huge effort to protect their stock, staff and premises. While it does come at a cost, we would urge all retailers to do everything they can to deter thieves to feel as protected and supported as they can, should the worst happen.”

The most common type of crime retailers have suffered was the theft of goods from the shopfloor or stockroom in working hours (48%), with verbal violence or assault against staff and customers (38%), overnight theft (23%), criminal damage (20%) and theft of money from tills or safe (13%) also featuring highly.

The British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) crime survey, revealed in February, further highlighted the issue and the action that needs to take place to tackle incidents in the sector.

Tom Ironside, Director of Business & Regulation at the BRC, said: “Violence and abuse take a huge toll on retail workers, their families, and their friends. While incidents might be over in a few minutes, victims can carry these experiences with them for a lifetime – and can have a severe impact on victims physical and mental health.

“Everyone has a right to go to work without fearing for their safety, and we must stamp out this scourge in retail crime once and for all for the sake of all the hardworking people in retail.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services’ advice for retailers to protect against shoplifting:

Use customer service as a tool to deter thieves – greeting them lets them know they have been acknowledged and may deter them as they have been identified
Make sure store layouts are organised and tidy, placing high-value or items which are more desirable for thieves in monitorable areas. Consider adding mirrors to the store to reduce blind spots
If possible, limit the number of high value items on display and secure remaining stock within a robust, lockable area
Train staff to recognise shoplifting tactics and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe from the risk of violence
Consider displaying signage in-store notifying thieves that they will be prosecuted
Try to minimise cash takings and use counter caches to deposit cash during opening hours. Install a good quality compliant safe which is fixed in place and preferably kept in an alarm protected area

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services’ advice for retailers to protect against break-ins:

Ensure all doors and windows have good quality locks (to BS3621) which cannot be opened from the outside or from the inside without the use of a key
Always keep keys to doors, windows, and safes, in a secure location. Always remove them from your premises outside of business hours and limit their distribution amongst managers or staff.
Consider investing in good shutters, grilles and bars on doors and windows.
If investing in an intruder alarm, ensure it is installed by a NSI or SSAIB approved company, compliant to EN1350-1 and provides remote signalling to an alarm receiving centre
If investing in surveillance (CCTV) ensure it provides good quality images, is recorded to the cloud with links to mobiles and/or remote monitoring, and meets requirements of GDPR
Be aware of cyber threats and make sure you have cyber insurance in place should the worst happen
Consider hiring data protection specialists to provide ongoing security of your data
Have a robust policy in place for responding to intruder alarm activations – i.e. don’t let a keyholder turn up on their own

Find out more about NFU Mutual’s information for retailers: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/insurance-for-retailers/

CASE STUDY – BRADBEERS DEPARTMENT STORE

For Bradbeers Department Store, the issue of theft has been a problem which has cost thousands in both stock loss and prevention.

Over the last seven years, Bradbeers – which has five department and furniture stores in Hampshire and Wiltshire – has seen thousands of pounds worth of stock stolen and thousands of pounds spent on various deterrents.

A family-owned, independent retailer, Bradbeers stocks male and female clothing brands including Barbour, Gant, Joules, Ben Sherman, Hobbs and Phase Eight, while also selling high-end fragrance and beauty products, fashion accessories and homewares.

The most recent incident in December saw thieves smash through a toughened window in the early hours of the morning and make their way to steal men’s stock, including Gant and Barbour.

“Staff are called, and police alerted by the alarm monitoring company as soon as an incident happens, which can be at any time of the night,” Mark Hall, Bradbeers’ Property and Procurement Manager, said.

“The problem isn’t just the stock loss but it’s the whole process afterwards – getting the glass cleared, boarding up and re-securing, police reporting and forensics, quotations for repairs, alarm resetting – it is a time-consuming process.

“Attempted theft in our geographical area has been on the increase from what we have noticed. It could well be to do with the cost of living with thieves trying to get expensive goods they can then sell on easily – some stock has been recovered by police, but it’s often been the sort of items that criminals can move on fairly quickly, that never get found.”

A further incident in December last year highlighted another increasing issue in the industry – violence towards staff, as thieves engaged in an altercation with shop workers who tried to stop them from stealing vacuum cleaners.

“It was an afternoon incident and thieves took four vacuum cleaners and tried to run out with them,” said Mark. “Two of our female members of staff managed to recover some items after trying to fight them off.

“Staff safety is paramount, but sometimes the adrenaline kicks in. We are an independent, family business and people that work here feel upset that others would come in and try to steal from us.”

The company has installed metal roller shutter doors and smoke cloak fogging devices among a host of other protection measures, and extensive CCTV which has proved useful to police in identifying perpetrators.

“It really is a big issue and not just for us, but for the retail sector as a whole,” said Mark. “However, we have certainly seen the benefit of the investments we have made to minimise incidents.”

Retail crime a “crisis that demands action’

BRC survey shows a 50% increase in levels of retail violence and abuse, to 1,300 incidents a day
Cost of theft doubled to £1.8 billion in 2022/23 with over 45,000 incidents a day
60% of respondents say police response is “poor” or “very poor”

Violence and abuse against retail workers soared last year, with the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) crime survey revealing that the number of incidents rose to 1,300 per day in 2022/23 from almost 870 per day the year before.

This rise comes despite retailers investing heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2bn on measures such as CCTV, increased security personnel, and body worn cameras, up from £722m the previous year. The cost of theft to retailers went up to £1.8bn from £953m the previous year, meaning the total cost of crime to retailers stood at £3.3bn – double the previous year.

The BRC’s annual crime survey highlights the scale of violence and abuse faced by people working in retail. Incidents, which include racial abuse, sexual harassment, physical assault, and threats with weapons, are now on a par with the levels seen during the pandemic, when staff bore the brunt of some people’s frustration with Covid safety measures.

While the total number of incidents climbed, dissatisfaction with the police increased, with 60% of respondents describing the police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.

Retailers are calling on the Government to introduce a standalone offence of assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker. This would send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated, making retail workers feel safer in the workplace.

It would also mean the police have data that allows them to understand the scale of the issue, and to allocate sufficient resources to deal with it.

This would ensure that retail workers have the same protection under the law as they do in Scotland, where a similar offence was introduced in 2021.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“Despite retailers investing huge sums in crime prevention, violence and abuse against retail workers is climbing.

“With over 1,300 incidents every day, government can no longer ignore the plight of ordinary, hardworking retail colleagues. Teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare.

“And while the violence can be over in a moment, the victims carry these experiences with them for a lifetime. And we all know the impact does not stop there – it affects their colleagues, friends, and the family our colleagues go home to. This is a crisis that demands action now.

“Criminals are being given a free pass to steal goods and to abuse and assault retail colleagues. No one should have to go to work fearing for their safety.

“The Protection of Workers Act in Scotland already provides additional protection to retail workers, so why should our hardworking colleagues south of the border be offered less protection?

“It is vital that government takes action – introducing a new standalone offence for assaulting or abusing a retail worker.”

Katy Bourne OBE, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner and APCC Lead for Business Crime, said: “The levels of retail crime described in this report reveal an unprecedented level of selfish lawlessness.

“Every day, retail staff are facing the consequences of shoplifters’ brazen behaviour and that’s why I have supported the call for a specific offence of assault on a shopworker.

“Our courts need to work more efficiently, and shoplifters need to be deterred from re-offending. That’s why I’m calling for my fellow Police & Crime Commissioners to focus their police forces on tackling shoplifting by making it a priority in their local Police & Crime Plans.”

Fear of theft and violence putting a strain on tradespeople with more than nine in 10 targeted by criminals

More than nine in 10 tradespeople say they or someone they know have been victims of theft
Research shows 88% of those surveyed are concerned about the ongoing issue
Almost a third of tradespeople admit the fear of theft contributes to negative mental health
60% in the industry do not believe mental health is spoken about openly
NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, whose volunteers offer emotional support to anyone who is struggling

More than nine in 10 tradespeople have been targeted by criminals as the fear of theft and violence puts a strain on the industry, alarming stats reveal.

New research* from commercial insurer NFU Mutual found that more than nine in 10 tradespeople (92%) say they or someone they know have been a victim of theft.

In the last 12 months alone, 53% of those surveyed said they had experienced tool or equipment theft, just shy of half had materials pinched, almost three in 10 had a vehicle stolen and 23% were victims of organised crime.

And those figures clearly weigh heavily on those in the industry, with almost a third of tradespeople (29%) admitting that the fear of theft and violence on their business contributes towards difficulties with mental health.

The rising cost of living (42%), financial worries (41%), stress of the job (39%), long hours (35%) and a lack of regular work (33%) were the other factors.

With almost nine in 10 tradespeople concerned about the threat of their equipment being stolen, NFU Mutual is urging workers to remain vigilant.

Zoe Knight, Commercial Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Theft of tradespeople’s tools or equipment continues to blight the industry and the fact 92% of people surveyed say they – or someone they know – have been a victim speaks volumes.

“Tradespeople rely on this equipment for their income and livelihood, with crime hitting not just their pocket but, as our research shows, also having a huge and negative impact on their mental health.

“To see a third of tradespeople fearing theft or violence in their day-to-day job is worrying and we would urge tradespeople to do all they can to offput the threat of that happening – via security measures and recording serial numbers of equipment.

“We want tradespeople to feel supported and protected should the worst happen and know there is also help available for those struggling.”

A report by Builders Merchants News* revealed in December that texts to a construction charity helpline had seen an increase of 105% after the launch of an initiative to take the mental health message across the UK.

That could pave the way for more open conversations, with NFU Mutual’s survey showing that more than half of respondents believe that mental health isn’t spoken about openly in the trades industry.

While more than three-quarters of tradespeople did say they were confident or fairly confident they would know where to go for support if they were struggling, worryingly, almost four in 10 (36%) said it is unlikely they would seek help if they had mental health problems.

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, a charity which offers round the clock emotional support to anyone struggling to cope.

Jason Jaspal, Assistant Director of Business Development at Samaritans, added: “Samaritans offers a listening ear and a safe space to share how you’re feeling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“It’s vital that tradespeople reach out for support when they are finding life tough, rather than letting things build up and potentially reaching a crisis point. It doesn’t matter what they’re finding challenging, Samaritans is here so they don’t have to face things alone.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services is sharing the following advice to tradespeople:

Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.
Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).
Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
For construction vehicles use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working.

For quality trades insurance to suit all sizes, search NFU Mutual Builders and Trades Insurance at www.nfumutual.co.uk/trades-insurance/.

For more information about Samaritans and the work the charity does, visit https://www.samaritans.org/

Police: Operation Soteria

POLICE officers in North East Edinburgh policing teams have been working to tackle motorcycle thefts with the activity carried under Operation Soteria, the capital’s well established, city-wide approach.

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal, North East Edinburgh Local Area Commander, said: “Operation Soteria is our overarching response to motorcycle thefts and my Initiative Team, Response and Community officers in North East Edinburgh have been working hard and continuing their efforts to identify offenders, prevent and deter incidents, and provide community reassurance.

“Road safety and tackling acquisitive crime remains a priority in Edinburgh as a whole and such behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Partnership working is key, and our Prevention, Interventions and Partnerships team are also working with partners to raise awareness and share crime prevention and security advice.

“During the summer so far in North East Edinburgh my officers have made eight arrests, libelled 30 charges, executing numerous warrants and recovered over £400,000 in stolen vehicles.

He added: “We will continue to work to ensure offenders are dealt with robustly. To allow us to target our activities, we encourage communities to report incidents via 101, and should anyone have information as to the identity of those placing communities at risk, this can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

#OperationSoteria

Barnton burglaries: arrested man to appear in court

A 31-year-old man has been charged with six offences related to housebreakings and theft.

Officers responded to a call from a member of the public in the Barnton area during the early hours of Tuesday morning (18 January) regarding suspicious activity.

Officers attended and arrested the man nearby. The charges relate to offences which took place between 15 and 18 January 2022.

The man will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Police appeal following oxygen cyclinder theft in Pennywell

Officers in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after the theft of two oxygen cylinders from a North Edinburgh medical centre. The cylinders were removed after entry was forced to a lock external cage outside the Pennywell All Care Centre premises on Pennywell Gardens.

The incident happened around 8.45pm on Sunday, 19 September and was reported to police on Tuesday, 21 September.

Inspector Jonny Elliot said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may have information to get in touch.

“If anyone finds these cylinders then I would ask people not to touch them or try to move them but phone us and give their location as promptly as possible.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 0687 of 21 September, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Crimestoppers launches Safer Communities summer campaign

Don’t let thieves steal our summer

Thieves operate all year round. That’s why this summer Crimestoppers is launching their new seasonal acquisitive crime campaign, ‘Safer Communities’:

We’ll be raising awareness of our anonymous service and sharing prevention advice from our partners Mitie and Neighbourhood Watch to help protect you, your home and car from opportunistic thieves.

As lockdown eases and we leave our homes this summer, we need to protect ourselves and possessions from crime. The pandemic has brought neighbours together, and we don’t want that to stop – you can still be neighbourly by looking out for each other’s homes when you go on holiday.

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THE CRIMINALS BEHIND ANY OF THE BELOW CRIMES, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW – CALL 0800 555 111 OR USE THE ONLINE FORM HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. YOU’LL STAY 100% ANONYMOUS. ALWAYS.

With your help we’ve helped reunite people with stolen goods, made communities safer and brought people to justice.

Lockdown easing is likely to result in a rise in interpersonal crimes like snatch-theft and assault, as people go out more in the evening and have a few drinks with friends.

When we’ve all been used to not going out as much as usual, it’s easy to forget to keep an eye on your handbag, wallet, mobile phone or purse – and thieves are always on the lookout for new opportunities.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THIEVES WHO CARRY OUT THESE CRIMES? STAY 100% ANONYMOUS BY TELLING US WHAT YOU KNOW.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOU AND YOUR POSSESSIONS SAFE FROM THEFT.

Burglary

Domestic burglary may be perceived as a victimless crime; however, 84% of victims feel emotionally affected after a burglary, with 35% feeling vulnerable, resulting in a lack of confidence.

Burglars keep an eye out for empty and unprotected properties and, now that we’re starting to go out more, they are likely to step up their surveillance – but, by speaking up, together we can all help to combat this.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Now that we’re all starting to ease out of Covid-19 restrictions, we need to make sure that as well as keeping ourselves safe, we’re keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe.

“More people out and about means homes will be left unattended, and burglary may rise, which is why we’re supporting Crimestoppers’ Safer Communities campaign.”

IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT A PLANNED CRIME, OR HAVE SEEN A CRIME TAKE PLACE AND WANT TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR HOME, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

Car crime

Did you know? In the UK, a car is stolen on average every ten minutes, and catalytic converter theft is on the rise.

Catalytic converter theft doesn’t just happen outside residential properties, it can happen in car parks too. Earlier this year OPAL, a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, reported a national increase in these types of offences across both locations.

Barrie Millett, Director of Assurance, Security and Business Services, Mitie, said: “Our business crime unit at Mitie is tackling catalytic converter theft for our clients. Last year they saw an increase in this activity between July and October, when lockdown restrictions eased, in line with national trends.

“As Covid restrictions get lifted once more, we urge our customers, clients and staff to stay vigilant, follow prevention advice, and tell Crimestoppers what you know if you have information about the criminals carrying out these crimes.”

Whilst you’re out and about this summer, stay alert and follow Neighbourhood Watch’s simple protection advice – to keep your car locked, lit and empty.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

Don’t let thieves steal our summer

Thieves operate all year round. That’s why this summer Crimestoppers are launching a new seasonal acquisitive crime campaign, ‘Safer Communities’:

We’ll be raising awareness of our anonymous service and sharing prevention advice from our partners Mitie and Neighbourhood Watch to help protect you, your home and car from opportunistic thieves.

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THE CRIMINALS BEHIND ANY OF THE BELOW CRIMES, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW – CALL 0800 555 111 OR USE THE ONLINE FORM HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. YOU’LL STAY 100% ANONYMOUS. ALWAYS.

With your help we’ve helped reunite people with stolen goods, made communities safer and brought people to justice.

THEFT

Lockdown easing is likely to result in a rise in interpersonal crimes like snatch-theft and assault, as people go out more in the evening and have a few drinks with friends.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THIEVES WHO CARRY OUT THESE CRIMES? STAY 100% ANONYMOUS BY TELLING US WHAT YOU KNOW.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOU AND YOUR POSSESSIONS SAFE FROM THEFT.

BURGLARY

Domestic burglary may be perceived as a victimless crime; however, 84% of victims feel emotionally affected after a burglary, with 35% feeling vulnerable, resulting in a lack of confidence.

“More people out and about means homes will be left unattended, and burglary may rise, which is why we’re supporting Crimestoppers’ Safer Communities campaign.”

IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT A PLANNED CRIME, OR HAVE SEEN A CRIME TAKE PLACE AND WANT TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR HOME, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

CAR CRIME

Did you know? In the UK, a car is stolen on average every ten minutes, and catalytic converter theft is on the rise.

Barrie Millett, Mitie Director of Assurance, Security and Business Services, said: “Our business crime unit at Mitie is tackling catalytic converter theft for our clients. Last year they saw an increase in this activity between July and October, when lockdown restrictions eased, in line with national trends.

Whilst you’re out and about this summer, stay alert and follow Neighbourhood Watch’s simple protection advice – to keep your car locked, lit and empty.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

Stolen Covid vial: Man Charged

UPDATE: TUESDAY 23rd MARCH

Officers investigating the theft of a vial of Covid-19 vaccine in Edinburgh have charged a 41-year-old man.A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Police want to thank you for your assistance with our appeal for information on this investigation.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police are investigating the theft of a vial of Covid-19 vaccine from the EICC Vaccination Centre in Edinburgh.

Chief Inspector Neil Wilson of Edinburgh City Division said: “We were made aware of an isolated incident of theft of a COVID-19 vaccine from the vaccination centre at Morrison Street in Edinburgh around 11.50am on Saturday, 20 March.

“The theft involved a single multi-dose vial of vaccine.

“A police investigation is ongoing, and officers are working closely with NHS Lothian and following a positive line of enquiry.

“Members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant to fraudulent offers of vaccine, which pose a risk to public health.

Vaccines should only be administered by healthcare professionals as part of the national NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme.

“If you are offered a vaccine outwith this setting you should decline and inform police immediately via 101”

Can you help Police trace these stolen cameras?

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace items which were stolen from an address in the New Town area.

The theft took place between 11.30am and 12.45pm on Saturday February 6 2021, during which these distinctive cameras were stolen:

• Canon 5D Mark III worth a 4-figure sum. Peak design camera strap, black with red attachments. Body serial number 185025000491. Lens serial number 06947041.

• Canon AE-1P worth a 3-figure sum. Peak design camera strap, black with red attachments.

Anyone who may have seen these items since that date, or has information on where they may be now, is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2374 of 06/02/21 or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form at crimestoppers-uk.org.