Official data released this week paint a worrying picture of the crime levels experienced in Scotland, with one upsetting figure in particular.
Among the data on all kinds of crime in the country, the announcement showed Scottish shoplifting increased by 20% compared to the previous year (from 47,381 to 56,920 crimes), and actually increased by 129% from the year ending June 2022 (from 24,877 to 56,920 crimes).
Responding to the latest figures from the Government, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), said: “Thieving from stores has skyrocketed in recent years with over a thousand incidents a week being recorded by police. This is despite record spending by shopkeepers on crime prevention.
“These figures highlight the sheer scale of criminality affecting Scotland’s shops. However, some of the increase of late will be as a consequence of the new shoplifting reporting tool and improved response to incidents from the police following the creation last year of Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce.
“This doesn’t obviate the need for more action, especially as thefts are a key factor behind rising levels of abuse and threats towards store workers. The financial cost of crime against retailers also pushes up prices for shoppers and undermines the health and vitality of our high streets.
“To stem and reverse the rise in thefts, abuse, and anti-social behaviour government funding for the Retail Crime Taskforce should be enhanced to extend the Taskforce’s reach and number of hotspots targeted.”
Also responding to the statistics, Dr Pete Cheema OBE, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF), said: “The SGF welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to continue funding the Scottish Retail Crime Taskforce for at least the next three years.
“However, while the Taskforce has made progress in improving reporting and communication, retailers across Scotland continue to face record levels of escalating crime, including organised theft, violent attacks and a growing surge in the illicit trade.
“It’s simply unacceptable that retailers and staff are forced to go to work and face regular threats to their safety and wellbeing.
“That is why the Taskforce must only be the first step. Ministers must also act to tackle the court backlog and ensure offenders are brought to justice swiftly and effectively.”
You can read all of the latest statistics here.
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