In amongst all the festive data and commentary ushered in by the New Year, the BRC’s annual Retail Crime Survey often stands out as a more challenging read.

In amongst all the festive data and commentary ushered in by the New Year, the BRC’s annual Retail Crime Survey often stands out as a more challenging read. 

And our latest survey is no exception, laying bare how crime continues to undermine retailers’ growth and profitability and impact on staff, stores and surrounding communities.

The fact that shop theft soared to its highest level in nine years is very troubling in itself, but it’s the reporting rate that raises the most pressing questions. Only one in ten offences were reported to the police, a stark statistic which speaks volumes about whether the industry has confidence that incidents will be taken as seriously as they should be.

We’ve seen in recent weeks that the ways in which people shop are changing at a more rapid pace than ever before. 

For all the opportunities that technological advances present, unfortunately they’re also opening up more channels for exploitation by criminals, with the majority of survey respondents telling us that they see cyber attacks as posing a critical threat to their business.

With evidence of increasing organised crime, retailers are up against a more sophisticated criminal. And it’s a key factor in pushing up the average cost of customer theft, as crime gangs are systematically targeting higher value items like designer clothing, handbags and power tools.

For all the big numbers, it’s the data on violence and abuse against staff which really brings home the fact that retail crime is far from victimless. It’s absolutely unacceptable that anyone should have to face aggressive behaviour or violence when doing their job, but unfortunately 2012-13 saw 12 violent incidents per 1,000 staff, with two-thirds resulting in injury.

All of this presents real food for thought and the survey will be a mine of data for the BRC to draw from as we step up our efforts for crimes against retailers to be taken seriously within the criminal justice system.

We’ve seen some positive signs in recent times that the importance of tackling crime against business is finally receiving the attention it deserves, such as a new strategy for tackling serious and organised crime and the way in which Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) are working with local businesses as they develop their policing plans. Early indications are encouraging, but what will be most important with both is ensuring that they translate into making a tangible difference on the ground.

There are clearly pockets of good practice and partnership working already underway – we’re particularly encouraged by the development of dedicated business crime strategy for London and would like to see this replicated elsewhere. We will continue to work closely with the PCCs to develop this. And as a crucial starting point for understanding the true scale of the problem and fighting it effectively, we strongly support proposals for a single, national definition for business crime.

Like all victims, retailers deserve to know that when a crime is reported, meaningful action will be taken against those responsible. We’ll be working closely with the industry, police and other partners to ensure that ambition is realised.

Retail theft reaches highest level for nine years