Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

NFU Mutual survey shows record levels of rampant retail crime

NFU Mutual survey shows record levels of rampant retail crime
iStock image

Over eight in ten retailers have experienced crime in the last six months, states a new research published today (3), adding that shopkeepers across the UK are being forced to take desperate measures to protect their livelihoods.

According to a new study by commercial insurer NFU Mutual into the impact of crime on UK retailers, carried out in September by commercial insurer NFU Mutual, 83 per cent have experienced crime and more than a quarter experienced violence against themselves, their staff and even their customers.


The new research published reveals over two thirds of retailers say crime has worsened in 2023, with 19 per cent considering leaving physical retail due to the crime epidemic and 15 per cent contemplating leaving the retail sector altogether.

This year alone, 82 per cent of retailers have had to take security measures to protect their business from crime. The high street is now commonly seeing the use of bodycams (17 per cent) and panic alarms (21 per cent), with a quarter of shopkeepers security tagging expensive products or more products than before. As attacks on staff also become a concern, 17 per cent of retailers have trained employees in self-defence and personal safety and 18 per cent are displaying signs to warn customers against aggressive behaviour.

One in ten shopkeepers have also had to keep doors locked to control crime, states the report.

Over a quarter of respondents (27 per cent) said the impact on their own and their staff’s mental health is their most pressing concern and almost one in five (19 per cent) live in fear of organised gangs targeting their shops, as seen recently in attacks on stores across the country.

Over a quarter of respondents (27 per cent) said the impact on their own and their staff’s mental health is their most pressing concern and almost one in five (19 per cent) live in fear of organised gangs targeting their shops, as seen recently in attacks on stores across the country.

James Jordan, Commercial Specialist at NFU Mutual, said, "Our study shows that retailers of all sizes are unfortunately struggling as incidences of theft and violence rocket in our shops, but it is also clear that retailers are making huge efforts to protect their stock, staff, and premises.

“Our retailers are at the heart of our communities and local economies so it’s crucial they feel protected and supported should the worst happen.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services’ advice for retailers:

  • Use customer service as a tool to deter thieves – greeting them lets them know they have been acknowledged and will deter them as they have been identified
  • Make sure store layouts are organised and tidy, placing high-value or items which are more desirable for thieves in monitorable areas
  • Train staff to recognise shoplifting tactics – for example, concealing items under coats or distracting shopkeepers – and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe
  • If possible, limit the number of high value items on display and secure remaining stock within a robust, lockable store
  • Consider signage in-store notifying thieves that they will be prosecuted
  • Regular stocktaking helps identify which items are being targeted
  • Consider adding mirrors to the store to reduce blind spots
  • If investing in surveillance (CCTV) ensure it provides good quality images, is recorded to the cloud and meets requirements of GDPR
  • Be aware of Cyber threats and make sure you have cyber insurance in place should the worst happen
  • Consider hiring data protection specialists to provide ongoing security of your data.

More for you

Wholesalers play a crucial role in the supply chain, with a new FWD report showing £17.5bn in sales to independent retailers.

FWD's new report highlights the crucial role wholesalers play in the supply chain.

iStock 915777580

New FWD report shows '£17.5bn sales to independent retailers'

Food and drink wholesale distribution sector generated £33.6 billion of turnover in 2023-24 with £17.5 billion coming from sales to mainly independent retailers, reveals an industry report released today (5).

Wholesalers body Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) released the report titled "Going for Growth: The Impact of Food and Drink Wholesale Distributors", highlighting the crucial role wholesalers play in the supply chain as well as in overall economy.

Keep ReadingShow less
A selection of brightly packaged disposable vapes is displayed in a convenience store, as the upcoming ban takes effect on June 1.

Disposable vape ban is coming into force on June 1.

Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images

Retailers reminded to prepare for disposable vape ban

Retailers have four months left to sell through any remaining stock and prepare for the disposable vape ban coming into force on June 1 this year, an industry body reminded retailers today (5).

After the ban comes into place, all vaping products that are available for sale legally in the UK must be both refillable and rechargeable, meaning that they must be intended for multiple uses.

Keep ReadingShow less
Impact of high street closures on rural communities

Dursley high street looking towards Stinchcombe Hill, Gloucestershire. The Countryside Alliance has issued a briefing note to the MPs on the impact of high street closures on rural communities.

Photo: iStock

Campaigners highlight impact of high street closures on rural communities

As MPs discuss the closure of high street services in rural areas in a Westminster Hall debate today (5 February), the Countryside Alliance has issued a statement emphasising the profound challenges these closures pose to rural communities.

The organisation noted that the shutdown of essential services is both a consequence and a catalyst of the “rural premium” - the additional costs incurred by individuals simply due to residing in rural locales.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcohol free beer sales

Alcohol-free beer sales

REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez

December overtakes Dry January in alcohol-free beer sales

Sales of low and no-alcohol beer were 20 per cent higher in December than January, shows recent data, suggesting that traditionally the month of abstinence has been overtaken by December in terms of alcohol consumption.

According to a recent report in The Times, supermarket Tesco experienced record demand for alcohol-free beverages in the four weeks running up to Christmas with sales up by more than 15 per cent on the previous year. The demand was largely driven by young Brits.

Keep ReadingShow less
Unitas Wholesale senior supplier briefing highlights growth in retail and on-trade sales

Unitas Wholesale growth in retail and on trade

Unitas outperforms market through supplier partnerships

Buying group Unitas has announced year on year growth in both retail and on-trade in its recently organised supplier event.

The announcement came during the Unitas Wholesale Senior Supplier Briefing, where the group revealed impressive growth figures despite a challenging year for the wholesale sector.

Keep ReadingShow less