Independent retailers report worsening retail crime crisis as confidence in police response collapses

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to Bira's latest retail crime survey.

The findings reveal a retail crime crisis that is intensifying and becoming increasingly violent, with criminals operating almost unchallenged as retailers lose faith in the justice system.

Physical abuse incidents have nearly doubled to 7.04%, up from 3.7% six months ago, whilst 88% of retailers report thieves are becoming significantly more brazen in how they steal. Break-ins have surged from 4.92% to 12.20% of theft incidents, and 68.5% of retailers believe they are being targeted by repeat offenders.

Yet despite this escalating threat, reporting has collapsed. Some 85% of verbal abuse incidents now go unreported (up from 79%), 91% of physical abuse incidents go unreported, and 47% of thefts are not reported to police. When incidents are reported, only 16.7% lead to prosecution.

Retailers describe increasingly violent confrontations. One reported: "Youth held member of staff by neck," whilst another experienced: "Aggravated robbery / assault with a foam fire extinguisher - sprayed on us while they stole bikes."

Others described the relentless nature of repeat offending: "We get weekly, sometimes daily thefts. Often by the same people," whilst another said: "Just whilst I'm writing this I've had to break off to tackle 3 different shop lifting incidents. In the last month or two I suspect I've had maybe £10,000 of goods lifted at least. It's out of hand and makes me wonder whether to continue in this business."

One retailer summed up the changing nature of theft: "It used to be that specific items would be stolen to order but now it's anything that can be sold on."

The frustration with police response is evident throughout the survey. "Reporting is a waste of our time," said one retailer, whilst another noted: "What's the point. The police don't want to or have other more urgent priorities."

Several described how the reporting process itself has become a barrier: "It takes 20 minutes to talk to the operator, unless it is 999, the value per incident is less than the staff costs than reporting."

One retailer explained their experience: "Reported the theft and identified suspect for police but they have failed to prosecute," whilst another said: "Despite 15 mins of video evidence, the police said it was not enough."

The survey also found that 39% of retailers experienced verbal abuse in the past year, with 64% noting it has increased compared to the previous year. Incidents ranged from general aggression to targeted abuse and threats.

One retailer described: "Sworn at, spat at, aggressive bullying context, shouting and screaming," whilst another reported: "Threatening to stab us, fight us."

A female retailer noted: "Female member of staff constantly gets 'sexist' remarks made. Also customers who maybe 'drugged up' get antsy when they don't get their own way."

Another described: "Customer was not happy with the quote given for the repair work on their son's mountain bike. The customer proceeded to yell at me over the phone for 25 minutes, belittling bike mechanics and the trade in general."

Retailers are clear about what they need: 62% want much improved police response rates, 63% want stronger sentencing for offenders, 52% want visible police presence on high streets, and 33% want better use of community banning orders for repeat offenders.

Bira said it will be presenting these findings to the Home Office and police forces across the UK, calling for immediate action to support Britain's high streets.

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