Vertical Markets

Appeal to PCCs

by Mark Rowe

The retail trade body ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) has called on Police and Crime Commissioner candidates across England and Wales to put crimes against local shops at the top of their police and crime plans if elected next month.

In a communication campaign to all candidates, ACS has called on them to support a pledge to tackle crimes against local shops in their area. ACS has also sent a questionnaire to prospective commissioners, asking about their priorities when dealing with retail crime.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Crimes against local shops are a serious problem for hard working retailers who have to put up with shop theft and verbal abuse on a frequent basis. The Commissioner candidates have been tasked with making their communities safer – this must apply to small businesses as well as the general public.”

Recent ACS figures suggested that 93 per cent of local shops had experienced some form of shop theft over the last year. Retail crime cost retailers £1.4 billion in 2010/11, equivalent to 130,000 full time retail jobs. Local shops invested £3.5 million alone in crime prevention measures last year, according to the association. Pictured is a shop damaged in Wolverhampton during the August 2011 rioting across England.

Police and Crime Commissioners will be elected on November 15, in 41 regions of England and Wales (excluding London). More information on Police and Crime Commissioners and how to contact them is available at: http://www.choosemypcc.org.uk.

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