Shoplifting surge threatens small retailers despite crackdown

Cases of shoplifting are hitting the headlines once again, as more retail businesses report having their stock stolen.

The surge in theft may be partly explained by new research from gambling website USDT Casino, which has found that nearly seven in ten Brits now admit to stealing. 

New laws have been introduced to clamp down on shoplifting offences, but unlike large retailers — many of which have invested millions in adequate security and protecting staff — SMEs don’t have the same capacity to tackle the problem.

While big stores can usually take the financial hit, shoplifting incidents for small firms are threatening their survival, with even minor losses quickly eating into profit margins.

Thrill-seeking thieves are bleeding small businesses dry

One might assume that the cost of living crisis has pushed some consumers to turn to shoplifting out of desperation. 

While inflation has dropped considerably since its peak of 11.1% in October 2022, the cost of everyday essentials is still rising, and many households are struggling to pay for groceries.

The research from USDT Casino indicates this might be the case. It reveals that 68% of Brits admit to stealing at the supermarket. Shockingly, though, 33% say it was for the thrill of getting away with it, rather than due to financial problems.

As well, a study reported by The Independent found that there had been a significant increase in shoplifting by customers aged over 50. In this particular case, the increasing cost of living was cited as the main reason for stealing.

But whether it’s financial difficulty or just looking for a quick buzz, shoplifting is costing retail businesses billions. According to The Guardian, retailers have lost around £2.2 billion in the last year due to theft.

New laws aim to curb shoplifting – but is it enough?

In February, the Government announced its new Crime and Policing Bill.Set to be enforced later this year, the bill will impose harsher penalties for items worth less than £200 and a maximum prison sentence of six months. It will also be a separate offence to assault a staff member.

But while shoplifting is considered to be criminal behaviour, the fact that the average Brit has admitted to stealing for thrills suggests that it has become somewhat culturally acceptable. 

Moreover, while anti-social behaviour may be expected from criminals, abuse towards retail staff from everyday shoppers has practically become normalised.

In September, the Co-op’s public affairs director Paul Gerrard said that violence and abuse against its staff has risen by 35%, stating that colleagues were being subjected to “a level of violence, abuse and threat that nobody in retail has ever seen before.”

But while the Government’s new Bill promises to better protect retail businesses and their staff, it’s uncertain whether the new laws will be enough to help SMEs across all sectors. 

Restaurants, pubs, and bars are also getting hit with a similar problem. 30% of hospitality businesses have reported “dine and dash” incidents in the last year, where customers leave the establishment without paying for their meals.

Last year, 63% of retail stores claimed that police either didn’t help or didn’t show up when reporting shoplifting. With the Bill yet to come into law – and inevitably more demand for police resources – it remains to be seen whether its measures will be properly enforced.

How can SMEs prevent theft?

Large retailers are getting creative when it comes to stopping theft. Iceland boss Richard Walker was vocal about exposing pesky thieves last year, and called for the Government to allow stores to share images of violent shoplifters on local WhatsApp groups.

But while this wouldn’t be a viable option for SMEs, there are a few practical ways to prevent shoplifting as much as possible, without having to fork out thousands in security equipment.

Store layout and visibility can play an important part, such as placing the till near the entrance/exit so that customers have to pass by employees before leaving the store. Small, high-value items like jewellery or vape products) should also be locked in displays.

And if you’re willing to invest in security, budget-friendly cameras will help catch any suspicious behaviour on film, or even using fake cameras can help deter theft. Mirrors can also be effective for catching thieves in blind spots, while security tags and stickers can help better protect valuable items and further dissuade theft.

Matthew Jaffa, external affairs lead for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), has called on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to introduce an online portal where small businesses can upload details of the offence, so that authorities can take action.

Speaking to The BBC, Jaffa comments: “One fifth of businesses don’t report a crime, and two fifths of those say that’s because they don’t have the confidence that it will lead to prosecution. We have to give them that confidence.”