SGF partners RAC to host retail crime event

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) will host its annual Crime & Wellbeing Seminar tomorrow (7 March) at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

Delivered in partnership with Retailers Against Crime, the seminar will focus on a range of issues such as the wider economic effects of retail crime and the lived experience of retailers.

Speakers such as Russell Findlay MSP and Superintendent Hilary Sloan of Police Scotland will provide key insights into crime in Scotland and an update on the Protection of Workers Act. There will be informative business breakout sessions to enable businesses to take action to combat and deal with issues associated with retail crime both now and in the future.

“We are delighted to able to host colleagues from across Scotland at our iconic National Stadium, Hampden Park, on this core issue for both members and the entire retail sector,” Pete Cheema, SGF chief executive, said.

“Retail crime may be a daily occurrence in many convenience stores, but that in no way diminishes its seriousness and the harmful impact it can have on retailers, staff, and businesses. This unique venue offers excellent space for our event to host not only the main events and business sessions but also our valued exhibitors.

“Every single incident of abuse or theft that happens in stores across Scotland, is one to many. That is why SGF will always take a zero-tolerance approach to crime and ensure that decision makers understand the lasting damage it can have on staff and businesses.”

Retailers Against Crime (RAC) is a national not for profit crime partnership, helping to detect and prevent crime including acts of violence, by sharing information with over 1,500 retail businesses across the UK. RAC findings show that theft against retail continues to rise with actual losses reported to RAC increasing by over 30 per cent on 2021.

Maxine Fraser, RAC managing director said: “We are also delighted to be sharing the day with the Scottish Grocers Federation who RAC have worked together with for some time.

“For over 25 years RAC have been highlighting that retail crime is not victimless, the economic effect it has and it’s links to serious and organised crime.

“Retail crime is on the increase. Why? Basically, because there are little or no consequences for those that commit crime and acts of violence. Over 10,000 incidents were reported to RAC during 2022, up 20 per cent on 2021. The actual amount stolen in 2022 was up 50 per cent on 2021.

“Major support is required from Scottish government such as permanent early intervention/rehabilitation programmes and to provide much more resource to our Police force to tackle this ongoing problem.”

SGF’s Crime Report 2022 highlights the substantial impact of crime on store owners and staff across Scotland, with 100 per cent of respondents reporting some level of theft, abuse, or violence in the previous year.

Shoplifting offences also reached staggering levels in 2021, with almost all operators experiencing theft on a daily basis. 95 per cent of retailers also reported experiencing some form of hate crime, monthly.