Exploring retail crime, violence and abuse
The challenge around retail crime
- Last year, there were over 5.5 million detected incidents of theft, costing retailers over £400m
- Incidents of violence or abuse against retail workers were the second highest on record, at over 1,600 daily
- Retails have spent over £5.5bn on crime prevention over the last five years
- 50% of retailers rate the police's response positively - there is more work to be done
Key focus areas for the Operations Community
1
Tackling violence and abuse against retail workers
2
Highlighting anti-social behaviour affecting stores and high streets
3
Combating shop theft, including prolific offenders and organised retail crime
4
Encouraging crime reporting and police engagement
5
Exploring new technologies affecting retail crime, such as facial recognition
The BRC’s role
- Providing a forum for members to share insight, experiences and best practice
- Representing member interests with government departments and key stakeholders
- Tracking crime trends, costs and police responses through the annual BRC Crime Report
- Using these trends and statistics to advocate for greater protections for retail staff from the government
Future priorities
- Shaping a consistent police response to retail crime that satisfies retailers
- Improving criminal justice outcomes, ensuring crimes lead to convictions
- Encouraging retailers to come together to play a key role in the prevention of crime, violence and theft