New research published by G4S Security Services (UK) suggests that almost a million Britons are considering shoplifting presents to give to friends or family this festive season. This is thought to be 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 by G4S Security Services (UK) suggests that 2.6 million British adults aged 16 to 64 admitted to shoplifting over the last 12 months – a 30 per cent increase on the previous 12 months. Cumulatively these criminals have stolen merchandise valued at over £783m (2007: £747million).
According to G4S, around 36,000 British adults each steal over £25,000 of goods from British stores annually. This hard core of shoplifters are often career criminals who steal-to-order specific items which are then resold on the black market. G4S warns that many of these shoplifters are regular drug users, who steal to fund their addiction.
With the financial crisis threatening higher levels of unemployment, the research also suggests that job losses could see retailers facing a surge in shoplifting incidents, warns G4S. The research reveals over 1.6 million (4pc) British adults would consider shoplifting if they lost their job. This figure soars to one-in-ten among 16 to 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 can also contribute to increases in retail shrinkage. Jealousy of items owned by friends and family (keeping up with the Joneses) would drive over 650,000 Britons to considering shoplifting.
Douglas Greenwell, Sales & Marketing Director for G4S Security Services (UK) said: “The difficult economic environment may lead more people to turn to shoplifting to maintain their current lifestyle, but retailers faced with declining sales can ill afford to lose additional revenue from shoplifting. These losses can be enough to drive small and medium sized retailers out of business.”
Circumstances that would lead Britons to consider shoplifting
(Percentage – British adults aged 16 to 64 that would consider shop lifting )
Losing my job 4% (1,628,000)
Rising food prices 3% (1,273,000)
Increased mortgage payments 2% (785,000)
Jealousy of items owned by friends or family 2% (684,000)
Increase in fuel prices 1% (540,000)
Source: G4S Security Services (UK)
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%) 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.
Percentage of shoplifters by region in the United Kingdom
1 North West 12% (671,000)
2 Greater London 11% (466,000)
3 North East/Yorks/Humberside 7% (395,000)
4 South East/East Anglia 6% (444,000)
4 Scotland 6% (238,000)
6 Midlands 5% (312,000)
7 Wales & West 4% (162,000)
Source: G4S Security Services (UK)
G4S says that retailers can help mitigate the risk of retail theft by ensuring they have robust security protocols and that all staff members are trained to look out for shoplifters. A 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 near shop entrances and ensuring clear sight lines throughout a store.
