Checkpoint Systems highlights major UK shoplifting concerns

UK retailers reported 377,850 shoplifting incidents in 2018, with no suspect identified in 42% of cases, according to analysis of police data by Checkpoint Systems.

While the total number of incidents fell compared to the previous year (-2.9%), the City of London police force saw a 20% increase in shoplifting compared to last year, while the north east of England was the worst hit, with Cleveland Police and Durham Constabulary reporting increases of 16% and 14% respectively. The Metropolitan Police continued to handle the largest number of shoplifting reports – 44,090 over the course of 12 months.

“With Justice Secretary David Gauke calling for an end to short-term prison sentences for shoplifting offenders, there are real concerns that the figure will increase dramatically in 2019,” says Mike French, Business Unit Director at Checkpoint Systems UK.

“Most worryingly for retailers, there is no suspect identified in 42% of reported incidents. This suggests that many have inadequate security processes and theft prevention solutions. Effective security tagging, working antennas and swift staff responses to shoplifting alarms are vital elements of any retailer’s anti-theft strategy.”