Up to 70% of retail crime is by 10% of offenders, research finds

Up to 70% of retail crime is committed by the top 10% of repeat offenders, new data shows.

Retailers using Auror, an intelligence platform used to record crime, have been able to “connect the dots” of repeat offenders committing theft offences across the UK.

One case study showed a violent offender that was connected to more than 60 incidences in Manchester, London and Norwich was linked to £50k in stolen products, Auror said.

In Scotland, seven major retailers had also managed to link a known violent offender to more than 70 crime events across 19 different stores in Clydebank, Rutherglen, Cadder and Glasgow in July.

Auror said, however, that stores “were safer” after introducing its retail crime intelligence technology, cutting the rate of violence and abuse by almost a quarter since last year.

London and Manchester high street shops saw a 21% and 20% reduction in the rate of in-store violence, respectively, it added.

“Retailers have been world-class in their approach to get on top of this issue; understanding that creating safer high streets is a shared responsibility and have responded by coming together as a network to fight back,” said Auror general manager UK & Europe Mark Gleeson.

“Stores are able to make more informed decisions about risk and safety by focusing on the top offenders driving the majority of harm across retail, and using that intelligence to work more effectively with police.

“Retailers are doing a phenomenal job, but we know there’s still more to be done to create safer retail spaces for everybody. Structured crime reporting, continued collaboration with police, and responsible risk detection technology for retailers will be key to building on this progress into the future.”

Boots, Holland & Barrett and Greggs are among UK retailers using Auror and have reported a drop in serious offences, as well as a safer environment for its colleagues and customers.

Greggs CEO Roisin Currie said: “Retail crime remains a challenge for retailers across the UK, which is why we continue to invest in a range of measures to help keep our shops safe and welcoming places to work and visit.

“Through our use of Auror, alongside other security measures and close collaboration with police and industry partners, we’re improving how incidents are reported, helping to identify repeat offenders and supporting more effective action against those causing the greatest harm.

“We’re encouraged to see the positive impact we’re having and remain committed to doing everything we can to reduce retail crime, support enforcement action and help ensure offenders face the consequences of their actions.”

Auror said it was on a mission to reduce violent retail crime by 50% in five years by supporting retailers with tech-enabled collaboration, stronger partnerships, and responsible risk detection tools to create safer stores.