02 December 2024
The latest episode of Bira's "High Street Matters" podcast takes a look into the psychology of shop theft, exploring why criminals target independent retailers and revealing the complex network behind what many wrongly dismiss as a victimless crime.
In this compelling episode, journalist Steve Dyson interviews Professor Emmeline Taylor, one of Britain's leading retail crime experts from City, St George's University of London, alongside Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, to understand the mindset behind retail crime.
Professor Taylor said: "We need to move beyond the term 'shoplifting' as it no longer represents the scale and severity of the crime we're seeing. We're dealing with three distinct groups: opportunists, drug-affected persistent offenders, and organised criminal gangs who've identified retail as a high-reward, low-risk target."
Professor Taylor reveals shocking insights into criminal motivations, including one ex-offender who needed to steal £1,500 worth of stock daily just to fund their addiction. "When you translate that figure across the country, the level of stock being stolen is shocking."
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre emphasises how criminal behaviour has evolved. He said: "What used to be concentrated in groceries, alcohol and cigarettes has expanded. Everything is now a target. These aren't opportunistic thieves – these are calculated criminals."
The human impact on independent retailers is devastating, as Mr Goodacre describes. He said: "For independent retailers, this isn't just about lost stock - it's their savings being stolen. The mental damage and stress are overwhelming our shopkeepers."
This thought-provoking episode provides crucial insights into criminal psychology and behaviour, highlighting the need for a coordinated response to what has become a national crisis.
The 'High Street Matters' podcast series, which is available on all major streaming platforms, continues to explore crucial subjects impacting independent retailers.
New episodes will be released throughout the year, covering various topics relevant to today's retail landscape.
Ep06: Inside the Minds of Shop Thieves
Step inside the mind of shop thieves as leading criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor and Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre reveal the psychology driving retail crime.
View all episodes
High Street Matters Podcast
High Street Matters will discuss crucial subjects such as consumer trends, relevant government legislation, business rates, parking and staffing, providing top tips to help to help businesses stay ahead of the retail curve.
Related News
All News-
Indie Retail is at the Heart of High Street Revival
Independent stores are helping to redefine the high street experience, offering unique products and creating community hubs that bring people together and drive local vibrancy.
-
Bira to respond to Low Pay Commission’s National Living Wage consultation for 2026
Bira has confirmed it will be responding to the Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) newly launched consultation on the National Living and Minimum Wage rates for 2026.
-
Bira welcomes Bank of England's latest interest rate cut
Independent retailers association Bira has welcomed the Bank of England's decision to reduce interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25%, calling it a "much-needed boost" for the retail sector during challenging economic times.
-
Bira responds to Beales' "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" as iconic store makes final protest
An independent retailers association has responded to the news that the 144-year-old Beales department store is staging a "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" in its final weeks of trading, with giant yellow banners directly blaming the Chancellor for its closure.