SGF highlights unacceptable behaviour
STORE owners and staff are still facing widespread incidents of theft, abuse and violence,
according to a new report from the SGF.
Its 2022 Crime Report highlights the substantial impact felt in the sector across Scotland, with 100% of respondents reporting some level of theft, abuse or violence in the previous year.
Shoplifting offences reached staggering levels in 2021, with almost all operators experiencing theft on a daily basis.
The biggest trigger for aggression and abuse continued to be the enforcement of age restrictions, while 95% of retailers also reported experiencing some form of hate crime monthly.
SGF figures show that the annual cost of store crime for survey participants totalled
£2.3 million.
Police Scotland reported retail crime figures for the year since the launch of the Protection of Workers Act 2021 total 3,099 to date, although detection rates
remain high at 61.3%.
SGF chief executive Pete Cheema said: “Retailers and staff provide an essential community service, and it is completely unacceptable that they are forced to turn up to work and face threatening abuse or violence.
“We have taken great strides with the introduction of the Protection of Workers Act, which came in to force last August.
“Our report shows, however, that 100% of retailers are regularly affected by crime, seriously impacting the wellbeing of both workers and their families. Every incident is one too many.”
