23/12/2009

By Scott Thompson

The number of people admitting to shoplifting has declined by almost eight per cent over the past 12 months, according to the Sixth Annual Retail Crime Survey by G4S Secure Solutions (UK).

At the same time, however, retail shrinkage remains a significant issue with approximately 2.4 million British adults admitting to shoplifting goods valued at over £650 million, down from around £780 million last year.

Although overall levels of shoplifting appear to be down, G4S is warning that the pressure to give expensive presents, despite many family budgets being stretched to breaking point, is tempting thousands of Britons to shoplift. Research reveals almost 500,000 adults admit they would consider shoplifting this festive season to provide a present for a friend or family member. Larger retailers are particularly at risk as the survey reveals that over the last 12 months around one in ten (12 per cent) shoplifters stole because they believed the 'store was a big retailer so it would not matter'. While the majority admit to stealing items worth between £1 and £25, over 60,000 people admitted to stealing goods worth more than £500 in total during the last 12 months.

"Shoplifting remains a major threat to retailers and is a particular problem around Christmas and the festive sales period. It's a real concern that so many people would consider stealing items as gifts for friends and family and we urge consumers to be vigilant to shoplifting if they are doing last minute shopping. Ultimately, consumers pay for stolen goods as retailers look to recoup their losses from this type of crime," says Douglas Greenwell, sales and marketing director at G4S. "Although retail outlets already devote significant resources to tackling the problem of shrinkage from shoplifting, it's clear that some retailers are seen as a soft target by would be shoplifters."

Reasons for shoplifiting/Number of GB adults

I removed it accidentally from the store 1.7 million
The store was a big retailer so I didn't think it would matter 293,000
I didn't have the money to purchase the item 172,000
I thought the item was overpriced 154,000
I thought I could get away with it as there didn't seem to be much security 142,000
I did it for the thrill 81,000
I have lost my job so money is tight 67,000
Peer group pressure 19,000
To resell the item to raise money 19,000
I can't afford the items I used to buy but don't want to sacrifice my standard of living 15,000