Shoplifting soars in recession

Tue Nov 10 2009 09:37:00

Shoplifting has surged to record levels in the UK during the recession.

A study by the Centre for Retail Research found that in the year to June, the value of goods stolen rose to £4.88 billion, an increase of 20 per cent.

The UK has the highest rate of shoplifting in Europe and only the US and Japan had higher levels worldwide.

Another study by the Global Retail Theft Barometer 2009 also found more 'middle-class' people were now stealing in order to maintain their standard of living.

Neil Matthews, vice-president of Checkpoint Systems, said: "The UK's retail industry has seen its largest ever increase in shoplifting over the last 12 months, and it comes at a time when the industry can least afford it."

"Retailers simply cannot afford to ignore this problem, it is not going to go away and is the equivalent of criminals taxing every UK household £227 per year."

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