The Association of Convenience Stores Crime Report has shown in its latest research that shop theft increased by 4% in 2013, with more than half of all retailers experiencing some form of verbal or physical abuse.
Figures from the report, which launched this week, indicate that an estimated £44 million was lost in shop theft alone, with the average burglary costing a retailer £2,586.
The report also gives guidance to retailers on managing the costs of such crimes, dealing with the triggers of violence and verbal abuse, responding to robberies and working with the police and local communities to cut crime.
Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: “Retail crime is an important issue which the government takes seriously. We want the response to be consistent, which is why all police forces in England and Wales have adopted a national business crime definition which will improve our understanding of the nature and extent of offences.”
