Research results just published by G4S Security Services (UK)1 reveal that almost a million Britons are considering shoplifting presents to give to friends or family this Christmas as a result of the credit crunch and the rapid increase in the cost of living since the start of the year.
The fifth annual Retail Crime Survey compiled by G4S reveals that 2.6 million British adults aged 16-64 admitted to shoplifting over the last 12 months – that’s a 30% increase on the previous year2. Cumulatively, these criminals have stolen merchandise valued at over GB pound 783 million ( GB pound 747million in 2007).
According to G4S, around 36,000 British adults each steal over GB pound 25,000 of goods from British stores on an annual basis. This ‘hard core’ of shoplifters are often career criminals who steal-to-order specific items which are then resold on the black market. The security solutions provider warns that many of these shoplifters are regular drug users who steal to fund their addiction3.
With the financial crisis threatening ever-higher levels of unemployment (Woolworths and MFI have just gone out of business, for example, while the Post Office is potentially looking to shed 50,000 jobs), the research also suggests that job losses could see retailers facing a surge in shoplifting incidents.
Job losses fuel criminality
The research reveals that more than 1.6 million (4%) British adults would consider shoplifting if they lost their job. This figure soars to one-in-ten among 16-24 year olds. Meanwhile, concerns over the rising cost of food could see an additional 1.3 million British adults contemplating retail theft.
Societal pressures might also contribute to increases in retail shrinkage. Jealousy of items owned by friends and family – the ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ syndrome – would drive over 650,000 Britons to consider stealing. Increased mortgage payments would see 2% of the population (that’s 785,000 individuals) potentially turn to crime, while an increase in fuel prices might see 1% (540,0000) think about ‘criminalising’ themselves.
According to G4S’ research, individuals living in the North West of England are the most likely to have shoplifted in the past 12 months, with over one-in-ten (12%) of adults aged 16-64 in the region admitting to shoplifting. By contrast, just 4% of those living in Wales and the West of England admit to stealing from a retailer over the same period.
The remaining figures are Greater London 11%, the North East/Yorkshire/Humberside 7%, the South East/East Anglia 6%, Scotland 6% and the Midlands 5%.
Robust security protocols in place
G4S believes that retailers can help mitigate the risk of theft by ensuring they have robust security protocols in place and that all staff members are trained to look out for shoplifters. A comprehensive security system in a large retailer should encompass visible security personnel, CCTV, alarm systems and covert security.
There are simple steps even small retailers can take to reduce losses, such as removing expensive merchandise from areas near to shop entrances and ensuring that clear sight lines are maintained throughout a store.
Given that Britons are admitting to stealing goods valued at over GB pound 783 million from retailers, what does G4S think about the survey results? Douglas Greenwell – sales and marketing director for G4S Security Services (UK) – commented: “The difficult economic environment may lead more people to turn to shoplifting in order to maintain their current lifestyle, but retailers faced with declining sales can ill afford to lose additional revenue from shoplifting. These losses may be enough to drive small and medium-sized retailers out of business.”
References
1Independent market research agency TNS surveyed a representative sample of 1,012 British adults aged 16-64 between 30 October-3 November 2008
2Independent market research agency TNS surveyed a representative sample of 1,008 British adults aged 16-64, between 23-25 October 2007
3Source: British Retail Consortium
