Retail fresh produce prices may be rising year on year due to an endemic problem with shoplifting and ambivalent policing which could get worse due to the economic downturn.
A survey of 42,000 European retailers by the Centre for Retail Research suggests shoplifters cost UK stores £4.4 billion in the 12 months to 30 June.
Prices have been pushed up, adding £180 to the average family’s annual shopping bill as a result of the crime.
The survey, carried out on behalf of retail security company Checkpoint Systems, found that an average of £12 million worth of goods were stolen every day in the UK. The total cost was, however, 5.8 per cent lower than the previous year.
Shane Brennan, public affairs director at the Association of Convenience Stores, told freshinfo during the recession food was more likely to be stolen.
He said: “No retailer is immune to this problem and in times like these theft of food is bound to be up. We tend to think of shoplifting as fashion good but it’s a big problem for food.
“It might be that the bigger retailers can increase prices long term or absorb it in their costs but the immediate problem is for the smaller businesses.”
Brennan added: “Shop theft is permanent and pervasive problem for the our sector. The biggest problem is that its seen as a smaller crime and there is a massive problem of under reporting. We need government and the police to work with retailers to make sure it is taken more seriously.”
About £970m was spent on increased retail security last year, but it did not stop UK stores being targeted by their own staff.
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