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Recession Leads to More Crime

Monday 24th of August 2009 03:00:12 AM

Retail crime is increasing and the rise is being attributed to the recession. Retail theft has risen over the last year according to the British Retail Consortium. When you are buying y our sweatshirts or dresses of suits online, shopping is safe and secure through software protections protecting your identity. But storefront retailers including jewellery stores have had to deploy sophisticated security systems such as smoke screen systems to deter would-be thieves.

According to the BRC, retail crime costs £2bn a year. The company survey indicated that retail crime costs include theft of goods but also vandalism repairs and the additional costs of security measures. The BRC spokesman said, "It is significant in financial terms. There is very often abuse, violence and murder involved when retail staff intervenes to try to prevent retail crime. That very real human aspect should not be forgotten.”

One of the dangers of shoplifting crimes is the fact many shopkeepers become enraged and will chase the criminals down the street at risk to their own lives. Shoplifters are becoming more aggressive. The BRC went on to say, "In the past, most shoplifting has been driven by people stealing small and high-value items that they can sell, often to fund drug habits. During the recession, there is a bigger range of items being stolen, such as more mundane food-based thefts including cheese, chicken and frozen meat, which would appear to be things that people will use for themselves."

Shoplifting has increased by 10 percent in the UK over the last 12 months and crimes are being committed by people who don’t fit the shoplifter image. This is due to the recession leading to desperation among people.

© Image by Sophie, www.sxc.hu/

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