Research found that around half a million shop workers were exposed to abuse or violence in the last 12 months, with the number of threats against them more than doubling.
The annual survey, which aims to question staff from across the retail sector, found the total value of goods stolen from shops is also at a ten-year high – costing the UK economy an estimated GB pound 830m in the last year.
Despite an 8.5 per cent boost in detection rates since 2006, still only around a quarter ( GB pound 205m) of this money is ever accounted for.
The BRC, which represents 85 per cent of British retailers, said the increase in the amount stolen could be due to a combination of higher-value thefts, more crime and retailers’ increased investment in security systems.
The number of detected shoplifting incidents went up by three per cent across the sector, taking the average to 40 per store every year. The average value of goods stolen in each incident also rose by GB pound 7 to GB pound 156.
General Kevin Hawkins, director of the BRC, attacked the Government’s policy on retail crime and said it was clear that the current approach is not working.
“In pledging an increased emphasis on ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ and so-called policing by participation, the Government must recognise retailers are a valuable asset to our communities and that shop workers are citizens within those communities, worthy of protection – not just part of a large industry that can go on taking this annual beating.”
The BRC wants tougher penalties for shoplifters but the Sentencing Advisory Panel – the independent body that advises on criminal sentencing – wants to reserve custodial sentences for “aggravated” cases of shoplifting.
In July, a new steering group chaired by Crime Reduction Minister Vernon Coaker was set up to tackle retail crime.
“Retail crime claims an unacceptable cost from owners, staff and customers alike,” said Coaker at its launch.
“The government takes it extremely seriously.”
