>>antisocial behaviour must be tackled with proactive solutions - Kishor Patel, independent retailer

Antisocial behaviour is affecting the independent retail sector almost as much as invasion by the multiples. But it doesn’t just have financial implications. It also has emotional ones.
I started running my own store in 1985 after working part-time at a store in London, having graduated in accounting and finance. Last year I joined Nisa-Today’s and, having converted two of my stores in Houghton Regis near Luton to Nisa Locals early this year, I’m now in the process of refitting my third and searching for a fourth.
In my 20 years in independent retailing, my store, staff and I have been victims of a series of retail crimes. The three common problems we, and I’m sure many other retailers face, are shoplifting, underage sales and antisocial behaviour.
To an independent retailer, shoplifting is an everyday reality of life. Often a repeat offence, and commonly drug-related, it seriously erodes margins and profits. It is also very unsettling.
Combating the underage purchase of cigarettes and alcohol is an obvious legislative burden for us, but it’s also a contentious issue. The areas around local stores tend to be meeting points for youths engaging in underage drinking and smoking of products that are not bought on the premises. But in the eyes of the law, the retailer is often held responsible. Trying to get the youths to move on, however, is an added complication.
Antisocial behaviour covers a multitude of sins. The most common offenders are 10 to 16-year-olds. Rife in the local store environment, antisocial behaviour is intimidating to visiting customers and bad for business, image and profits.
Despite the financial and emotional problems we face, the government fails to prioritise the issue on the political agenda and such crimes remain petty in law. While on-the-spot-fines and ASBOs are a step in the right direction, there’s little tangible evidence to show they’re actually working.
Of course, having the support of a symbol group is a huge advantage. Nisa-Today’s actively supports its members through the provision of CCTV systems, electronic article surveillance tagging - particularly useful for alcohol and high-value items - and even to the extent of offering its retailers armed hold-up safety training.
These are invaluable to the smaller
retailer, but I feel it’s important to supplement them with proactive solutions. At my stores, we do not tolerate shoplifting or antisocial behaviour, and our local police and MP are aware of our policy.
We have implemented a number of preventative measures in-store including the introduction of exclusion notices, staff training, and regular meetings with local police and traders to exchange information.
We also have a formal recording procedure for all occasions and we will not hesitate to prosecute where necessary.
I am also working closely with my local MP and the police to launch a Safer Houghton committee, bringing the local community together to come up with a practical solution, as well as working with the police and local residents to apply to the courts for ASBOs on troublesome youths within the vicinity as a deterrent to future generations. I strongly believe that, in the future, this will protect smaller retailers who are financially and physically vulnerable.
Moving forward, I believe manufacturers can play an important role in offering potential sponsorship for zero-tolerance initiatives, with retailers offering relevant evidence, but the police and government must then deliver the necessary solutions. Cross-communication is the key.
Of course, this is additional work and expense that we could well do without. But while the government fails to take the issue seriously, preventative measures are an unfortunate necessity.
I chose a career in independent retail to provide a service to the local community. Joining Nisa-Today’s was the next step in the professional development of my stores and my overall business. Working with the symbol group, I will not allow a promising business future to be affected by antisocial behaviour and retail crime.