Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
Operation Pegasus, the new initiative funded by some of the largest retailers, will undoubtedly help tackle the organised gangs that are stealing to order at our expense.
Such gangs are costing millions of pounds and due to the lack of a deterrent are brazen in their approach. Only this week, in my son’s new store, a gang of six distracted the team members and stole hundreds of pounds’ worth of food.
As my son tackled them, the leader of the group said “Never mind, mate, it is Christmas” and duly left the store with their latest haul.
We have excellent images and what appears to be a valid number plate, but it’s anyone’s guess whether the police report will be followed up on.
We cannot expect our team members to put themselves in harm’s way, and nor should we, but I am hearing of more and more retailers who are tackling offenders.
It’s a dangerous thing to do and I have done it myself on many an occasion. All we want is our goods back, but ultimately that desire is matched by the criminals’ desire to take them.
I believe the damage was done when fixed penalty notices were given to those caught stealing from stores. It is utterly pointless to give a fine to someone with no money.
Either they won’t pay it, or they have to steal even more goods to turn into cash to then settle the fine.
It also gave out the message that shop theft was a victimless crime, which is still often the perception. Steal from a family-owned store, though, and you’re stealing from a family.
Here’s hoping that the new initiatives being put in place do help deter those people who decide to steal from us. This current level is unsustainable for many and we need to stop it before family-owned businesses end up closing.
Jonathan James is the owner of James Convenience Retail
