Figures published in the SGF Crime Report & Safer Business Guide 2023/24 have highlighted an escalation in retail crime over the past year, while the sector calls for urgent action from government.

Findings across 763 stores uncovered by the convenience trade association show that the average cost of retail crime skyrocketed to £12,164 per store in 2023/24.

When the sample size is scaled up to represent all 5,171 convenience stores in Scotland, this accounts for an annual cost of approximately £62.9m which the SGF said is ‘crippling’ the sector.

Information gathered for the report and published during the SGF annual Crime & Wellbeing Seminar, being held at Hampden Park today, shows that:

• 100% of convenience retailers agree that shoplifting has increased in the past year, while 99.5% say that shoplifting is now a daily occurrence.
• More than nine out of every 10 stores report that violence against staff occurs at least once a week and hate crime once a month (92.8% and 92.7% respectively)
• More than half (56.9%) of respondents also report experiencing daily incidents of abuse when refusing a sale or when asking for proof of age.

Analysis of the data also reveals a fall in confidence in the Scottish Justice System to tackle the growing problem of retail crime, according to SGF. With, for example, more than two thirds of respondents saying they are either unlikely or very unlikely to report shoplifting incidents to the police.

Opinion: Minimum unit pricing adds to challenges facing shops, by Pete Cheema, chief executive, SGF

SGF chief executive Dr Pete Cheema OBE said: “Almost every week we are told of another terrible incident in one of our members’ stores. From machete and knife attacks to organised gangs roving through communities targeting vulnerable businesses to loot. It’s completely understandable that some members of staff are now refusing to come to work for fear of their safety.

“Sadly, these incidents and many others even more distressing and harrowing cases of shop theft, abuse, threatening behaviour, and violence are now commonplace in stores right across Scotland. Our annual survey of Scottish convenience stores shows just how bad things have become.

“It’s not just the escalating price tag of theft and vandalism that is costing convenience businesses, but harm to the physical health and wellbeing of retailers and staff. That trauma is then carried home to people’s families and their local communities.”

The SGF report also calls for action to tackle retail crime, such as improved police response times, more resources for the Scottish Justice System, and improved feedback for retailers when they report a crime.

The trade association will also be calling for its joint campaign with government officials and the police, Don’t Put Up With It, which encourages retailers to take a zero-tolerance approach by reporting all offences against them, to be refreshed.

Cheema added: “That is why we desperately need ministers to take urgent action, now. The police and courts can’t cope, and many crimes are going unreported because retailers don’t believe the authorities will respond. Offenders know they’re unlikely to face any consequences for their crimes and even if they are arrested, many will spend years awaiting conviction.   

“We are urging the Scottish government to act now, before things get even worse. If not now, then when?”

The SGF Crime Report & Safer Business Guide 2023/24 also provides guidance, including conflict management and resolution, and prevention tips, including staff training notes, to manage crime in store.

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