By admin 
Independent retailers are demanding tougher policing, more street patrols and tougher penalties to offset rising shoplifting rates, new data from the Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) shows.
The survey, which was responded to by 651 retailers, found that 91% had called for more police patrols on the streets, while 90% thought shoplifters should receive tougher sentences.
These views were in response to shoplifting reaching record levels, with seven in ten respondents saying shops had experienced theft, burglary and property damage.
The data also showed that 47% of retailers said they and their employees had been threatened, assaulted or subjected to violence when they asked for proof of their age before making a sale. alcohol or cigarettes.
Forty-four percent reported that they and their staff had also experienced similar behavior when they had declined to make a proxy sale, such as selling an age-restricted product to a customer who was purchasing for a minor.
The results of the Fed’s survey came as new figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that shoplifting cases rose 29% to 469,788 offenses for the year ending June 2024. This is the highest figure since the current Police registration practices began for the year ending in March. 2003.
“Inadequate police responses and a slap on the wrist for offenders are causing shoplifting to skyrocket and offenders to become more aggressive and brazen,” said Fed National President Mo Razzaq.
“It is clear from the responses we have received that real action is needed from the police, the courts and the police government to turn the overwhelming tide crime against retailers and their staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and to protect their business from criminals.
“FED members are also sending a clear message that one of the catalysts for verbal and physical violence in stores is asking for proof of age before selling an age-restricted product.
‘If the government goes ahead with its plans to phase out smoking vaping through a progressive ban to gradually end the sale of tobacco products across the country, independent retailers will face even more violence, abuse and theft.
“Without an effective deterrent, criminals and opportunistic members of the public will continue to commit crimes.”