Shoplifting on the Rise in a Shaky Economy
LOS ANGELES
In a survey conducted by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), 84 percent of surveyed national chain stores reported an increase in shoplifting since the beginning of the recession.
The Washington Post reported about 80 percent of survey respondents said organized retail crime had also jumped, and more than half said robberies and burglaries have risen.
Retail crime typically increases during the holiday season as store staff their shops with temporary, less trained employees. However, retailers and law enforcement officials say the economic downturn is resulting in more frequent and more aggressive crimes.
Retailers lost an average of nearly $35 billion, or about 1.4 percent of their inventory, to theft in 2007, according to an annual survey conducted by the University of Florida. During the most recent recession in 2001, so-called shrinkage rates averaged 1.8 percent. Results for this year will not be available until 2009.
For additional information, click here.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
