Retail crime takes toll on store owners’ mental health

Nearly four out of 10 (37%) described that impact as ‘major’, while 32% said it was ‘moderate’ and 23% said it was ‘minor’.

The poll of 100 independent store owners found that, of those whose health was affected, 72% cited ‘increased stress’, 55% ‘increased anxiety’ and 41% said it had led to sleepless nights or insomnia.

More then a quarter (26%) had suffered from depression and 7% PTSD.

“We had a cash machine robbery overnight in July 2023. I am still not able to sleep and often wake up at the same time the incident happened,” said one respondent.

Worryingly, nearly three-quarters had not sought help in coping with these issues, but among those who did seek help, 25% had spoken to their GP and 16% had called a helpline.

Some 6.5% had sought counselling and 9% were on anti-depressants.

More than half (53%) had considered leaving the industry as a result of crime and almost one-third (30%) felt they had lost staff.

What they said:

“It’s general fear, constantly being on edge and suspecting absolutely everyone.”

“I was forced to shut my store and take early retirement.”

“Colleagues are scared to come to work.”

“I’m left feeling vulnerable and useless.”

“We live on the premises, so it is our home as well as our business which is affected by this.”

“Having to watch CCTV nearly all the time even when you’re at home means stress, constant headaches and so on.”

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