Scottish retailers say they experience shoplifting on daily basis

All respondents to a survey by the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) said they had experienced shoplifting in the previous twelve months.

And the worst part is that nearly all of them (98%) suffer the menace on a daily basis, reveals the annual Retail Crime Report released by the federation.

“Our new report – which is now backed up by five years’ worth of evidence – shows that shoplifting is now essentially out of control and the authorities have simply lost their grip on it,” said Pete Cheema, SGF chief executive.

Cheema pointed out that neither the Scottish government nor Police Scotland collect any data on retail crime, something he described as a “shocking and unacceptable situation” which has undoubtedly contributed to a lack of effective action on this major problem.

The crime report also shows that requests for identification in relation to age restricted products and a refusal of sale continue to be the man triggers for abuse and assault towards staff in-store.

“There is an ever-growing list of legislation which has to be enforced and policed by staff in-store and this must be taking its toll on health and wellbeing,” Cheema said. “The Protection of Workers Bill currently before the Scottish Parliament is a step in the right direction and we urge MSPs to support it.”

The new legislation aims to give shop workers additional legal protection, particularly in relation to carrying out mandatory activities around age verification.