RAC conference highlights impact of crime on shops
EFFORTS to tackle retail crime have been highlighted as part of the latest Retailers Against Crime (RAC) conference as the firm seeks to showcase the value of a united front.
Held in Belfast this year, the RAC Conference brought together retailers, police and industry figures to share their experiences of retail crime and strengthen their efforts in tackling the industry-wide blight.
Stephanie Karté, chief executive at the RAC, said: “Our Belfast conference was a real success, bringing together retailers, police and partners to strengthen how we work collaboratively to tackle retail crime.
“By improving partnership working and encouraging the consistent reporting of incidents, we are building a clearer intelligence picture and helping to create safer retail environments for everyone. Together we are stronger.”
Speakers discussed the detrimental impact that shoplifting has had on their staff, its economic impact on business and the burden that has now been placed on retailers to deal with this rising issue.
Additionally, the RAC shared its 2025 statistics, collated from figures reported by members across the UK, which found that RAC members experienced 13,369 incidents of retail crime across the year – an increase of 14% from the 2024 figure.
Efforts in tackling these crimes did show some improvement however, as the RAC reported that a total of 2,684 suspects had been identified in connection to retail crime across its members stores. This represented a 45% increase compared to the previous year.
The RAC has put this down to the increased reporting of RAC members who utilise the firm’s database – powered by SentrySIS – to report crimes which allows retailers to share real-time information about thefts with other store owners, the RAC as well as local police teams.
Meanwhile, the number of incidents involving violence or abuse against shop workers was down by 15% year-on-year, with 1,411 such instances reported by RAC members.
Karté said: “Our partnership statistics reflect the incidents our members faced on the ground during 2025. And while we’re pleased to see a reduction in the number of violent Incidents, any instance of violence against a staff member is too many and cannot be tolerated.”
The conference also featured networking opportunities with professionals from across the sector and exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations and services aimed at fighting retail crime including Facewatch.
Attendees also heard from a range of voices during the event including from Superintendent Pete Cunningham, Police Service of Northern Ireland crime team lead, who highlighted the importance of such events in shaping how the police service can respond to the issue of retail and business-based crime.
He said: “The impact retail crime has is significant for business owners and retailers, their staff and the wider local community at large. Events like the RAC NI Conference are a wonderful opportunity for all of us with a vested interest in tackling this issue to come together to explore how we can all work together to make our towns and cities even safer places to work and do business.”
Karté said: “Underreporting continues to hold us back. If we work together and ensure consistent and timely reporting of all incidents, we can make a meaningful difference.
“The conference showed a genuine determination to tackle retail crime, now we must turn that energy into action. Above all, the key message is simple: ensure consistent and timely reporting of all incidents.
“We need to work together collectively to keep staff safe and interacting and sharing intelligence with our partners is vital to tackling this problem.”
