About 61 per cent of UK shoppers have witnessed in-Store theft while most 80 per cent consider store safety a critical factor in their shopping decisions, revealed a new survey by x-hoppers as the AI theft solution units law enforcement and retail experts to fight theft epidemic as holiday season looms,
The survey findings were showcased on Wednesday (9) in a pivotal roundtable discussion hosted by x-hoppers, a pioneer in AI retail communication solutions. It was led by CEO Ian Rowan, in response to the alarming rise in retail crime, which has reached a 20-year high.
According to the survey conducted by x-hoppers, five out of eight shoppers have witnessed theft in stores. About 80 per cent consider store safety a critical factor in their shopping decisions.
About 44 per cent of shoppers go in-store to feel and touch the product while 41 per cent of shoppers shop in-store to take the item(s) home immediately, reveled the survey.
With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, this event convened industry leaders and law enforcement at House of Spells in London, an early adopter of x-hoppers technology, featuring prominent speakers including retail and consumer expert Kate Hardcastle, MBE, Superintendent from the City of London Police Patrick Holdaway, Tenby Stores owner Fiona Malone, and x-hoppers’ CTO Graham Dixon.
Compounding this issue, shoplifting incidents have surged by 46 per cent in the past year, resulting in staggering losses for retailers, estimated at £7.9 billion annually. This data prompted an important conversation about the critical need for effective strategies to combat retail theft and protect both businesses and consumers.
Superintendent Patrick Holdaway stated, "If we don’t know about the crime, we can’t fight it. This is a community issue,” emphasizing the need for better communication and consistent reporting between retailers and police to enhance enforcement efforts amidst limited resources.
Retailer Fiona Malone underscored the profound community impact of shoplifting, particularly in light of the lack of local police enforcement support, stating, “Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime; it affects real people and real families.
"Every theft takes food off my children’s table and threatens the existence of our local businesses. Let’s strengthen the call to ‘shop local’ with a promise to ‘protect local’.”
Graham Dixon highlighted the role of AI in retail security, stating, "AI is not just a buzzword; it’s a crucial tool that can transform the retail landscape. By integrating advanced technology, we can create safer environments for shoppers while enhancing service quality, ensuring that retail remains an enjoyable experience.”
Kate Hardcastle MBE called for a proactive approach in addressing the escalating challenges retailers face, stating, "It is a massive national reality; it is an epidemic; it is growing. At that peak period, you want to make customers aware of the realities you're dealing with, what you're doing about it, how you appreciate their support and help at that time."
Rowan reinforced the urgency for retailers to adopt critical solutions, asserting, "Retailers today face an urgent challenge in creating a secure environment for shoppers. We must act swiftly to implement innovative solutions that ensure safety and enhance the overall shopping experience. Customers deserve to enter stores feeling happy and secure, without the worry of theft overshadowing their visit."
The need for enhanced retail security has become increasingly evident, as highlighted by a recent survey conducted by x-hoppers and Sago in September 2024, which gathered insights from 1,000 UK shoppers ages 18 and older.
