20/10/2010 - Shoplifting 'cost UK stores £4.4bn'
Shoplifters cost UK retailers £4.4 billion in stock in the 12 months to June 30, new figures have shown.
A survey of 42,000 shops across Europe by the Centre for Retail Research found that the total figure of the thefts, an average of £12,054,794 every day, was lower year-on-year by 5.8% from £4.7 billion.
Findings of the study, conducted on behalf of Checkpoint Systems - a retail security company, claimed that the thefts, a third of which were carried out by shop employees, add up to £180 to the average family's annual shopping bill.
Branded clothings, accessories, children's wear, lingerie, meat, cheese, alcohol and even seafood were identified as common targets, according to the research.
Professor Joshua Bamfield, of the Centre for Retail Research, said the cost of the theft is passed on to honest shoppers who are already under a financial squeeze.
He said: "Even with the decline in retail theft, crime put an extra £180 on the average British family's yearly shopping bill.
"And that is a cost many people can ill-afford, with the recession only just behind us and the looming VAT rise."
The researchers said long-term trends continue to indicate a rise in thefts.
Neil Matthews, of Checkpoint Systems, said a typical "theft spree" saw £93-worth of goods taken.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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