The latest British Retail Consortium's (BRC) Retail Crime Survey 2010 shows retail crime down 11% in the year to April but still cost UK retailers £1.1 billion in 2009/10, equivalent to 52,000 full-time retail jobs
Online sales reached around £800 million per month by autumn 2009 and are forecast to increase by about 15% annually. Of those retailers who sell online, 85% had experienced internet fraud in the year to April 2010 and 64% stated internet fraud had increased.
Figures from the British Chamber of Commerce indicate the cost of business crime nationally, based upon their sample, are estimated to be £1.1 billion annually.
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20% of businesses have experienced criminal damage
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17% of businesses have been burgled.
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Average value of goods stolen in each incident was £70
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Greater proportions of businesses in industrial estates, shopping parades and out of town locations have experienced crime in the last 12 months compared to those based elsewhere.
The Retail Crime Survey does indicate a national downward trend in crime - overall number of offences are down 11% from 2009.
Retail Theft is not a victimless crime - preventing crime pays!
What can we do in partnership - the police and other public services, businesses and residents - in tackling crime effectively? Everyone needs to play a part.
As a retailer, you can take some simple steps to reduce the risks of becoming a victim of crime:
- Do a few things - don't rely on one solution
- Involve everyone who works for you and use their experience
- Remember partnership pays! You will be able to do more by working with others.
Advice guides can be downloaded here for further help and information.
Work Safe - Work Smart
- What crime has there been?
- Is there a Business watch scheme in your area?
- Talk to other local businesses and organisations.
- What are the targets and threats?
- What would be the effect of crime against your business?
Store Design and Layout
- Walk around the environment.
- Is the area well maintained?
- Are there vulnerable points?
- Are access points secure?
- Consider ram raiding and other crimes.
- Check walls, doors, windows, roofs and fences.
- Consider climbing risks, visibility and weak points.
- Carefully consider the location of your tills / high value goods.
Physical Security
- Put a security plan in place.
- Strengthen doors and windows.
- Use a good quality safe to protect valuable assets.
- Remember - information is an asset.
- Visibility - CCTV, lighting and mirrors.
- Install an alarm and other deterrent devices.
- Reduce the amount of cash held and bank it regularly.
- Security of public and shared areas - is it robust enough?
Staff Awareness
- Keep security and safety procedures up to date.
- Make sure all staff are aware of procedures and their responsibilities.
- Appropriate staff training.
- Secure personal property.
- Security for people working alone.
- Is staff at risk?
- Don't take personal risks.
Working Together
- Join or form a local Business Watch scheme - contact your local Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer or see further details on the Neighbourhood watch link.
- Local partnerships. Get to know your local community police officer or community support officer. They can offer advice or refer you to the Crime reduction officer for your area.
Keep Safe
- If you find yourself in threatening or violent situations don’t take unnecessary risks. Protect yourself - your personal safety is paramount.
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