Eveline Frota’s Post

So, what level of Retail Crime (shoplifting) would be considered to be ‘Acceptable’? With retail crime at significantly alarming levels across AU, NZ, & across the globe, the high incidence of theft & violence in a retail environment seems to be finally garnering the attention of governments. Whilst this is great news for retailers, & very much long overdue, there are two important issues to be considered; 1️⃣ One of the most interesting elements in this conversation is that it is likely that only 10% of shop theft is formally reported each year to our policing agencies. That’s right…up to 90% of the real incidents of theft are not reported to police. The underreporting of crime to police (not just retail) is a considerable issue in AU & NZ. In part, this can be attributed to two key factors: ➡️ There is often an apathy from retailers that retail crime reporting isn’t worth it, as it isn’t always taken seriously by police agencies, & offenders receive a ‘slap on the wrist’. So, many retailers feel like there isn’t any point. Alarmingly, this is also the case in many places where aggression & violence occurs so often that it is accepted as the norm, & isn’t reported. ➡️ For larger enterprise size retailers, reporting is often undertaken on non police reporting platforms which do not integrate with police reporting systems. Typically, a retail team member will only report internally, & not externally to Police…hence approx. 90% of the crime going unreported. 2️⃣ Aside from theft reporting issues, the biggest concern in all of this is the growing incidence of violence (both physical & psychological) against retail teams. Sadly, the statistics show that 80% of the violence / aggression against team is during theft intervention! We all want to reduce or stop retail crime, but the reality is that our team are often contributing to the aggression & assaults…& this urgently needs to be halted. It is understandable that team can take theft personally, but for any retail leader, the significantly more personal outcome is when team escalate a situation to get back a chocolate bar, stop a trolley, search a bag, or argue over a refund, & they are harmed. What can be done: ✅ Continue to build strategies for deterring retail crime. Whether this is: - Increased security technology to deter & enhance reporting opportunities - Better trained & remunerated Security Guards (& potentially more powers) - Community policing deployments & operations in shopping centres. ✅ Improve training: - Communications & Dealing with Conflict sessions. - More effective eLearning. ✅Coordinated strategies across shopping centres. There is no level of retail crime that should be acceptable, but more importantly…There is absolutely no level of aggression & violence that is acceptable…one incident is one too many. #retail #crime #shoppingcentre #violence Workforce Resilience https://lnkd.in/gRFPrsnT

Retail crime "spiralling out of control" Retail violence and abuse increased over 50% to more than 2,000 incidents a day Losses from customer theft reached a record £2.2 billion in 2023/24 Record crime levels come despite retailers spending £1.8 billion on prevention Retail crime is at its highest level on record, according to new figures released today from the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Annual Crime Survey. The survey reveals incidents of violence and abuse in 2023/24 climbed to over 2,000 per day, up from 1,300 the year before. This is more than three times what it was in 2020, when there were just 455 incidents a day. Incidents included racial or sexual abuse, physical assault or threats with weapons. There were 70 incidents per day which involved a weapon, more than double the previous year. With the total number of incidents continuing to grow, and their nature becoming increasingly aggressive, satisfaction with the police remains low, with 61% of respondents describing the police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. Of the remaining, 29% rated the response as ‘fair’, a further 6% said good, and 3% described it as ‘excellent’, the first time in five years that any retailers have rated it as such. Theft also reached an all-time high with over 20 million incidents (over 55,000 per day) costing retailers £2.2 billion in 2023/24 (up from £1.8 billion the previous year). Many more incidents are linked to organised crime, with gangs systematically targeting stores across the country, stealing tens of thousands of pounds worth of goods and rotating around multiple stores. Unsurprisingly, the amount spent on crime prevention is also at a record high, with retailers investing £1.8 billion on measures such as CCTV, more security personnel, anti-theft devices and body worn cameras, up from £1.2 billion the previous year. This takes the total cost of crime to an eye-watering £4.2 billion, up from £3.3 billion. And adds to the wider cost pressures retailers already face, further limiting investment and pushing up prices for customers everywhere. The Labour Government has pledged to address the rise in retail crime through stronger measures to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behavior, including removing the £200 threshold of ‘low level’ theft. They also announced in the King’s Speech they would introduce a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker. Retailers will be looking closely at the details of the Crime and Policing Bill to ensure that its protections apply to all customer-facing retail workers, from those behind the till to delivery drivers.  #business #police #community #creatingsafercommunities #eliminatingthefearofcrime #brokenwindows

New figures out today from the Office for National Statistics show record levels of shop theft, now standing at over 430,000 offences for the year ending 2023, up 37% on the year prior. These figures are shocking, but they're still only a fraction of the reality of what retailers are experiencing on a daily basis. Our Crime Report estimates that for the convenience sector alone, there have been over 5.6 million thefts, and when you break that down on a store by store basis, that's two incidents of theft per store per week. I would challenge anyone to find a convenience store that is dealing with less than that. The disconnect between the official figures and the amount of incidents that are occurring is likely for two main reasons: 1. Unsurprisingly, not all crime that occurs gets reported to the police. Reporting incidents can be a frustrating, time consuming process, and when reports are made it's often the case that retailers just get a crime number and have to carry on with their day. 2. When crime is reported, retailers are usually reporting multiple incidents after they've become completely fed up with repeat offenders targeting their stores. One reported incident = many real incidents of theft. We continue to encourage retailers to report incidents of theft when they occur, and have called on Police and Crime Commissioners to prioritise response to shop theft in their police and crime plans.

Crime ‘spiralling out of control’ in stores, warns British Retail Consortium Sarah Butler 30 Jan 2025 UK retailers are warning that crime in their stores is “spiralling out of control” with 55,000 thefts a day and violent and abusive incidents rising by 50% last year. More than 70 incidents a day involved a weapon, according to the annual crime survey from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Verbal and physical attacks, violent threats, and sexual and racial abuse in shops soared to more than 2,000 incidents a day in the year to the end of last August, up from 1,300 the previous year and more than three times the 2020 level. The trade body’s report, based on a sample from retailers representing more than 1.1 million employees, found theft had reached an all-time high with more than 20m incidents during the year, 25% more than the year before. It said this had cost retailers £2.2bn with many more incidents linked to organised crime as gangs systematically targeted stores across the country. The rise in shoplifting has partly been seen as the result of a squeeze on household finances amid high inflation in recent years, but retailers said the uptick was down to organised gangs stealing to order. They said retail had been seen as a soft target since the 2014 law change in England and Wales which has meant those stealing goods worth less than £200 are usually spared any jail time. Paul Gerrard, the public affairs director at the Co-op, told the House of Lords justice and home affairs committee inquiry into shoplifting that a 44% rise in retail crime it experienced last year was down to “people coming into stores with wheelie bins or a builder’s bag to steal the entire confectionery section or spirits or meat section”. Retailers said a lack of priority by police was also to blame as officers often failed to attend, even when private security staff had apprehended someone with stolen goods. Major retailers have also been accused of fuelling the rise in crime by cutting back the number of staff in stores, including on security, to keep costs down. They have also turned to self-service checkouts and self-scanning devices which are more open to abuse. However, the BRC said retailers had spent £1.8bn on measures to combat crime including CCTV, additional security guards, anti-theft devices and body-worn cameras, up from £1.2bn the previous year. [...] Operation Pegasus, under which 15 large retailers began working with the police under the last government to help tackle organised retail crime, partly by sharing CCTV images, has also had some success but was set up only to deal with activity that crossed police boundaries. [...]

Addressing Petty Organised Crime in the Retail and E-Commerce Industry With the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a significant legislative development has emerged that holds far-reaching implications for the retail and e-commerce industry in India. Section 112 of this new legal framework focuses on petty organised crime, providing a robust deterrent against various forms of theft and fraud that have plagued the sector. According to Section 112, any member of a group or gang engaging in activities such as theft, snatching, cheating, unauthorised selling of tickets, unauthorised betting or gambling, selling public examination question papers, or other similar criminal acts will face stringent punishment. The law defines theft comprehensively, including trick theft, theft from vehicles, dwelling houses, business premises, cargo theft, pickpocketing, card skimming, shoplifting, and ATM theft. The penalties too are severe, with imprisonment ranging from one to seven years and additional fines, reflecting the seriousness with which these crimes are being addressed. This development is particularly significant for the retail and e-commerce sectors, which have been grappling with colossal fraud and theft challenges. The introduction of such stringent measures is a welcome move, reinforcing the industry's efforts to curb losses and protect both businesses and consumers. As we navigate this new legal landscape, it is crucial for industry stakeholders to stay informed and compliant with these regulations. Together, we can create a more secure and trustworthy environment for all.

The repercussions for shoplifting or deceiving stores may be perceived as severe by some, yet justified by others. Upon examining various incidents and their implications, it becomes evident that certain crucial aspects were overlooked, leading to the prolonged operation of dishonest individuals. Turning a blind eye to shoplifting and deception not only harms the affected store financially but also fosters a culture of tolerance for unethical behaviour. By neglecting to address instances of shoplifting or deceit, businesses inadvertently condone such actions, signalling to perpetrators that their misconduct will go unchecked. This lack of accountability can embolden individuals to continue engaging in illegal activities, further eroding the integrity of the retail environment. Additionally, the financial losses incurred by stores as a result of theft and deception can have a detrimental impact on their operations, potentially leading to increased prices for honest customers to offset these losses. It is imperative for businesses to prioritise the enforcement of policies and procedures aimed at deterring and addressing shoplifting and deception. Implementing robust security measures, conducting regular audits, and providing employee training on identifying and responding to suspicious behaviour are essential steps in safeguarding the interests of the store and maintaining a fair and ethical retail environment. By taking a proactive stance against dishonest practices, businesses can uphold their reputation, protect their bottom line, and uphold standards of integrity that benefit both the organisation and its patrons. Robberies: https://lnkd.in/gbn2mDAd Watch us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3p9YAD6 #quelltraining #workplaceviolence #workplaceviolenceprevention #personalsafety #retail

Retail crime is on the rise, and with it violent and abusive incidents towards shopworkers. Is the Retail Crime Action Plan enough to tackle this! or do you need our help to "Target Strengthen Your Store" from Safetell Ltd? #staffprotection #securityscreens #securitydoors #cashprotection #retail [email protected] It’s 10 years since the police walked away from retail crime. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 meant any shoplifting below £200 in value did not need to be investigated. At least that’s how the police interpreted it. The result has been soaring retail theft, violence and abuse towards shopworkers, made only worse by the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. But terrifying scenes captured on CCTV shamed the ex-government into action, resulting in the launch of the Retail Crime Action Plan last October – a government strategy aimed at bringing together retailers and police to tackle the rise of shoplifting and the often violent incidents that come with it at last. So one year on, what difference has the plan made, if any? Is the police finally taking retail crime seriously? And what more needs to be done on both sides to crack down on this plague? One thing is for sure: the statistics are criminal: according to the BRC’s Retail Crime Survey 2024, shop theft more than doubled to 16.7 million incidents in 2023, while acts of violence and abuse towards staff – often triggered by encounters with thieves – were up 50% to 1,300 incidents a day. Shopworkers have been spat on, threatened with HIV-infected needles, held at knifepoint, followed home and more, the survey found. Yet police have consistently ignored retail incidents, with 61% of retailers rating police responses as poor or very poor, up from 44% the previous year, the BRC survey found. This lack of action also makes retailers reluctant to report incidents, says BRC assistant director of regulatory affairs Graham Wynn. “And if the police do respond, there are seldom adequate consequences for perpetrators.”

Another lie ABC and CBS as well as NBC spread was crime was gonna end after cops got defunded ? Remember ? Hahaaha retail crime and violence is up 93% in most major cities. With its “Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024” study, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is highlighting the severity of this issue. For instance, despite the continuous efforts by retailers to combat such crimes and a growing number of states that have updated their laws to prosecute organized retail crime as felonies, the number of retail theft incidents continues to climb. https://lnkd.in/e-3XQtRW

https://lnkd.in/gneUBs_K "Since shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council on Criminal Justice has tracked changing rates of violent and property crime in large cities across the United States. The pandemic, as well as the social justice protests during the summer of 2020 and other factors, have altered the motives, means, and opportunities to commit crimes. Retail theft, especially organized retail theft, has received extensive media coverage and has caught the attention of state and federal policymakers. Dozens of shoplifting and “smash and grab” incidents in a variety of cities have been captured on video and have gone viral on social and mass media.1 Major grocers, drugstores, and other retail outlets have cited shoplifting as their reason for closing multiple locations and placing goods behind counters and in locked cases.2 California allocated $267 million in 2023 to a new initiative to combat retail thefts.3 In June 2023, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance held a hearing on incidents of organized retail theft.4"

Illegal shoplifting has parents in the firing line The psychological cost of shoplifting amid cost-of-living struggles can't be understated; and it's parents that are fighting to breathe amongst the mess. It appears law and order and a potential court appearance is not deterring the act of shoplifting in Australia. Australia has victims in Myer, DJs, Woolies, Coles, IGA and smaller stores to around $10 billion a year, at last recorded count is lost in theft, that goes on annually. The thinking by parents who are pressured to clothe and feed their family is during business hours they'll hide a store item by utilising pockets, under clothes or in a bag, and depart the store without paying. Shoplifters may also wear items from the store and depart the store with those stolen goods on them. The pressure of knowing right from wrong in lawful acts has come second to keeping the family unit intact. Burnt out pressures will surface. It doesn't take much legal imagination to conjure up the image that parents will take on a store profile due to store shoplifting; because obtaining household items is crucial. Shoplifting is actually an illegal act and police are involved in fines, arrest, imprisonment, and a criminal court record. The Crime Statistics Agency Victoria issued the state's recorded crime statistics ending 30 September, 2023. 'The rate of recorded offences increased ... with Steal from a retail store the largest contributor up 7,308 to 26,229 offences in the last 12 months, the highest on record.' Yet, is a reportable offence due to external factors a justified act is the next trail of thought. In mid 2023, It's a children's panadol that is being stolen a lot from a Northern Canberra community pharmacy. Shoplifting at Myer or DJs can lead to the immediate act of security being called. And, a common media act of publishing the person's name and suburb in the local paper relating to the shoplifting by him or her happens. It seems wrong to categorise the mum or dad shoplifters as a 'criminal with malicious intentions.' But what else can this act be known as in relating to a splurge in shop theft. Items like grog, dummies or clothing that are stolen seem to have more to the story; than making it a day to conduct an opportunistic stealing from the local store. The prickly issue saw La Trobe University social activities canned for the following one to two years, over the actions of four 1995 editors of the student paper Rabelais at publishing an article on 'The Art of Shoplifting.' On CCTV footage is the sight of a group of teenage girls that walk into Myer. It is a deliberate act that they leave the dressing rooms with a new bra. The security tag that is attached has been disabled. Alerting their parents is next. The things shoplifters get up to. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has personal information holding concerns; all of society similarly holds them. News.com.au: Picture