At the July 5 British Retail Consortium (BRC) Summer Parliamentary Reception, MPs are showing their support for combating retail crime, according to the BRC.
The trade body describes crime against retailers as a problem that cost the retail sector £1.96 billion in 2003.
This summerโs receptionโs focus is on retail crime. Sponsors ShopWatch highlight the challenges retailers face on a day-to-day basis and how retailers and police are joining forces to fight crime in stores and on the streets. Professional Security featured the Met Police scheme last in April; a similar scheme for university and college campuses is on trial in London.
Brian Paddick, Deputy Assistant Commissioner from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: โShopWatch is an excellent example of how we can work together to reduce crime in retail areas, not just theft and fraud that takes place in stores, but on-street crime in those high streets, shopping centres and retail parks. The simple concept of taking store staff, equipped with extensive retail knowledge who are retail savvy, and training them to become Special Constables, patrolling one a fortnight with experienced officers; has already proved to be a very worthwhile concept. The retail industry and the public are already seeing the difference in-stores and on the streets.โ
BRC Director General, Kevin Hawkins, said: โThe BRC has long urged the Government to take retail crime more seriously, to implement stronger penalties to deter criminals and to keep the promises they make on cutting crime. Retail crime is far from victimless and has a devastating impact on staff well-being and business viability. We are delighted so many MPs have come along today to show their interest and support.โ
