Latest figures confirm ‘shocking’ increase in shoplifting in Scotland
Independent retailers in Scotland are calling for more action from the government and police to tackle the continuing surge in the number of cases of shoplifting.
Recorded crime figures released this week by the Scottish government revealed that shoplifting increased by 17 per cent compared with the previous year (from 40,554 to 47,381 crimes) and increased by 124 per cent from the year ending June 2021 (from 21,136 to 47,381 crimes).
However, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) maintains that the actual numbers are much higher, as many incidents go unreported due to the level of response from the police and failure by the courts to take tougher action against offenders.
The Fed is calling on politicians, police and the courts to take retail crime seriously and ensure independent retailers receive the protection they urgently need.
National President Hetal Patel said: “These figures are shocking but sadly not surprising to our members, who see stock vanish from their shelves on a daily basis.
“Shop theft is not a victimless crime, it pushes up prices for honest customers, undermines small businesses, and places staff in danger.
“A 124 per cent rise over just four years threatens the very survival of many independent shops, and it’s no wonder so many are closing.
“We urge all political parties aiming for power after the Scottish elections in May to consider expanding and continuing the promising one-year Police Scotland scheme to combat retail crime.”
Earlier this year, Police Scotland established a dedicated unit to tackle retail crime across the country.
The Taskforce was created following a £3 million funding allocation from the Scottish government and will deliver a four-strand approach to tackling retail crime – prevent, pursue, protect and prepare.
The team is made up of 14 uniformed officers and detectives, as well as four civilian staff, including specialist analysts and an architectural liaison officer.
On a daily basis the Taskforce will target repeat offenders of retail crime by using analytical data and intelligence to carry out proactive enforcement activities in areas most heavily impacted.