A shocking one in five Scottish shoppers (19%) have witnessed verbal or physical abuse of shop staff in the last 12 months, up from one in six last year, according to a new survey by the Scottish Retail Consortium with Opinium.
The data also showed 18% of customers have witnessed shoplifting taking place while at a store in the last 12 months and that 7% had witnessed people damaging store property such as displays, merchandise, and fittings.
The research comes as Scotland experiences record levels of thieving from stores. Last month official data showed thefts from shops spiking by 15% last year to 50,300 incidents, which is almost 140 incidents a day.
Crime against retailers in Scotland costs tens of millions of pounds each year, through thefts but also spending by stores on crime prevention measures such as CCTV, more security personnel, anti-theft devices and body worn cameras. The financial cost is significant, adding to the wider cost pressures retailers already face, and is ultimately paid by customers through higher prices and less convenient shopping.
Following representations from the Scottish Retail Consortium and others, the Scottish Government has funded the creation of a Retail Crime Taskforce by Police Scotland with annual funding of £3m over each of the next three years.
David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“Abusive or violent behaviour towards shop staff is utterly reprehensible and wholly unacceptable. These stark figures show witnessing such incidents of theft or abuse has become an all-too-common part of the shopping experience for many Scots.
“While an incident can be over in a matter of seconds, it can have life-long consequences on those who experience it. Experiencing the reality of retail crime makes shoppers think twice about visiting their local high streets, undermining the health and vitality of Scotland’s retail destinations. Despite better legal protections for shopworkers and record spending by retailers on crime prevention we know from member feedback that criminals are becoming bolder and more aggressive.
“Sustained action is needed to get on top of this scourge and in particular to apprehend and deal firmly with persistent perpetrators. Thankfully, we’re seeing a greater prioritisation being given to tackling retail crime. Police Scotland’s new Retail Crime Taskforce has been well received and the early results are encouraging, making for a more difficult environment for shop thieves. However, if we are to truly turn the tide on retail crime it’s crucial this greater prioritisation, funding and focus on persistent offenders and organised criminal gangs which target retailers is seen right across the criminal justice system including in the courts. Those stealing from stores need to know they’ll be apprehended and face the consequences.”
