The UK is now the retail crime capital of Europe, according to a new report released today.
Checkpoint Systems’ Global Retail Theft Barometer has found that £1.4bn has been lost in the last year to customer, employee and supplier theft.
Just this week Tesco said that it has seen a growth in shoplifting during the current economic crisis.
Employee theft stands at 34%, the Checkpoint Systems said, second only to Ireland, where it is on 35.4%.
Shrinkage (or stock loss from crime) at convenience stores grew by 1.2% compared to last year, while it grew by 2.1% at other general stores.
Alcohol sellers such as off-licences grew in susceptibility from shrinkage, which rose at these stores by 6.3% from 2007.
Last month, the British Retail Consortium said that current shoplifting penalties should be reformed and not abolished.
