Shopkeepers across the UK are being forced to take desperate measures to protect their livelihoods, according to a new study by commercial insurer NFU Mutual.
New research into the impact of crime on UK retailers, carried out in September by commercial insurer NFU Mutual, has found that shopkeepers are facing unprecedented levels of crime. In the last six months, just over eight in ten (83%) have experienced crime and more than a quarter experienced violence against themselves, their staff and even their customers.
The new research published recently reveals over two thirds of retailers say crime has worsened in 2023, with 19% considering leaving physical retail due to the crime epidemic and 15% contemplating leaving the retail sector altogether.
This year alone, 82% of retailers have had to take security measures to protect their business from crime. The high street is now commonly seeing the use of bodycams (17%) and panic alarms (21%), with a quarter of shopkeepers security tagging expensive products or more products than before. As attacks on staff also become a concern, 17% of retailers have trained employees in self-defence and personal safety and 18% are displaying signs to warn customers against aggressive behaviour. One in ten shopkeepers have also had to keep doors locked to control crime.
Over a quarter of respondents (27%) said the impact on their own and their staff’s mental health is their most pressing concern and almost one in five (19%) live in fear of organised gangs targeting their shops, as seen recently in attacks on stores across the country.
Over a quarter of respondents (27%) said the impact on their own and their staff’s mental health is their most pressing concern and almost one in five (19%) live in fear of organised gangs targeting their shops, as seen recently in attacks on stores across the country.
James Jordan, Commercial Specialist at NFU Mutual, said:
“Our study shows that retailers of all sizes are unfortunately struggling as incidences of theft and violence rocket in our shops, but it is also clear that retailers are making huge efforts to protect their stock, staff, and premises.
“Our retailers are at the heart of our communities and local economies so it’s crucial they feel protected and supported should the worst happen.”
Find out more about NFU Mutual’s information for retailers: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/small-and-medium-business-insurance/retailer-insurance/
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