Profession criminals behind epidemic of shoplifting

Organised gangs and profession criminals are successfully “looting” our excessive road, bosses warned final night time.

Retail chiefs say shoplifting is getting “steadily worse” – as thieves trawl shops stealing meals, garments, alcohol or cosmetics.

Shopworkers stated louts are being dropped off in “blacked-out cars” and “sweeping” merchandise off cabinets into luggage.

They slammed police for failing to do extra to deal with the epidemic, claiming “criminals are operating without fear of consequences”.

Store managers warned that workers live in fixed worry of gangs. Matt Hood, the meals managing director at Co-op, stated: “We know retail crime is driven by repeat and prolific offenders and organised criminal gangs. It is an ongoing challenge for all retailers.

“And in the worst instances can even be described as ‘looting’.”

Co-op stated shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in shops has risen by 35 % over the primary six months of this yr – with greater than 1,000 a day.

Matt added: “I have seen some horrific incidents of brazen, ­violent theft. I see how this erodes the fabric of our communities. It’s hard to over-emphasise how important change is. Too often forces fail to respond.”

The Association of Convenience Stores stated: “This organised criminal activity exploits vulnerable people by getting them to steal in exchange for their next fix, funds the drug trade and harms businesses that provide essential services.”

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Acquisitive Crime, stated: “Forces take any incident of violence incredibly seriously and will prioritise our response where there is a risk to ­individuals.

“In some cases, there may not be enough information for police to act upon or bring about criminal proceedings.”