Shoplifting offences in England and Wales have soared to the highest level in 20 years
The overall number of crimes recorded by police in England and Wales in the 12 months up to last September stands at 6.7 million, the ONS said – just up from 6.6 million the previous year. The first time it rose above pre-pandemic levels, according to the Office for National Statistics. It’s not just a bit of a bother for shop owners and security folk anymore. Shoplifting, once brushed off as a minor nuisance, has ballooned into a full-blown crisis, hitting levels we’ve not seen in 2 decades.
So we discuss what’s going on, share some real talk from the front lines, and shine a light on how GuardPass is stepping up as the game-changer in keeping our stores safe and sound.
Let’s roll!
Rising Shoplifting Crisis: More Than Just a Loss of Goods
Shoplifting? A growing concern that’s hitting retailers hard. Studies prove a 25% increase in shoplifting incidents reported by the police in the year ending June 2023. Major chains like Co-op have felt the brunt, witnessing almost 1,000 incidents daily in the 6 months to June 2023, a jump of 35% from the previous year. You think it’s just a loss of goods? No, it’s more than that. It’s the rising tide of aggression and violence that comes with it. From verbal abuse to physical confrontations, the retail industry is facing unprecedented challenges.
The surge isn’t just a post-pandemic rebound; it’s a complex issue fueled by various factors. The economic squeeze, with inflation biting hard, certainly plays a part. But there’s more to it. The ease of theft at self-service checkouts, the boldness of organised gangs, and a perceived leniency towards shoplifters have all contributed to the current state of affairs. A perfect storm, and retailers are right in the eye of it.
Case Studies
Take, for instance, the experience of a supermarket owner, Richard Inglis. a supermarket owner starts his day thinking it’ll be business as usual. But no, it turns into a scene straight out of a wild west flick, with not one, but multiple shoplifting attempts before the day’s even warmed up. Imagine having to wrestle over six bottles of vino first thing in the morning. The physical altercations. Staff have been bitten, whacked with bottles, you name it. It’s a proper mess and a danger to those just trying to do their job.
Then there’s the story of Pak Pharmacy over in Birmingham. They tried something a bit different – a “wall of shame“. They plastered CCTV snaps of shoplifters all over the shop in the hopes of shaming the culprits into returning the nicked goods. And guess what? It sort of worked. Some of the pilferers, red-faced, brought back the stolen stash. But it’s a bit of a sticky wicket, isn’t it? It might have nicked the problem in the bud for a bit, but it doesn’t really get to the heart of why folks are nicking stuff in the first place. Plus, it’s a gamble when it comes to keeping the peace and making sure staff and punters aren’t copping any flak.
It’s a clear signal that the old ways aren’t enough anymore. We need a plan that’s as flexible and sharp as the folks we’re up against, something that can roll with the punches and still keep our shelves and people safe.
GuardPass: A Thought Leader’s Solution to Modern Security Challenges
GuardPass A beacon of hope. We are revolutionising the way security staffing is approached. With access to over 140,000 SIA-licensed professionals, GuardPass offers a dynamic solution to the pressing need for reliable, rapid, and compliant security personnel.
What sets GuardPass apart is the quality, numbers and readiness of the security professionals in our pool. Each individual is pre-vetted, licensed and equipped with the necessary skills and experience to handle the complexities of modern retail environments. GuardPass is your go-to. we’ll quickly beef up your security team, giving you a solid piece of mind and results.
Don’t wait any longer – reach out to GuardPass today and let’s keep your stores safe and sound. Your peace of mind is just a click away.
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes