Independent retailers have reported an increase in the level of shoplifting due to the recession. Many have also seen worrying rises in break-ins and credit-card fraud. According to online insurance comparator simplybusiness.co.uk, almost half of retailers (47%) said they had experienced an increase in shoplifting

 

since the start of the recession, and 26% had seen a rise in the number of break-ins. Theft by staff had also escalated, with 24% of retailers suffering a rise in “in-house” crime.

Meanwhile, 31% reported a surge in credit card fraud.

Tony Deacon, managing director at simplybusiness.co.uk, said: “Retailers are suffering already as a result of higher stock prices, a drop in consumer spending and tightening of credit. This rise in recession-related crime is heaping more misery on the beleaguered SMEs.

“Nearly half of all retailers in the UK have experienced an upsurge in theft and this is having a major impact on their ability to remain profitable and remain in business.”