Shoplifting: Sunderland store owners call for tougher laws
- Godstime David
- Sep 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2024
Retail store owners in Sunderland are demanding government action on daily theft.
Store owners in Sunderland are calling on the government to urgently reconsider current shoplifting laws as thefts continue to rise.
A recent report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the UK is experiencing the highest surge in shoplifting in 20 years, a trend that is severely impacting store owners in Sunderland.
Many local business owners say they are witnessing shoplifting incidents on an almost daily basis, with rising concerns about their ability to protect their goods while adhering to guidance that discourages engaging with perpetrators unless the stolen items are of substantial value.
Swain Swain, the owner of a local convenience store said: "It is out of control now. I experience shoplifting pretty much every day.
"People just walk in and steal things here. Sometimes, we try to stop them, but there is only so much we can do."
Mr. Swain explained that while his store has CCTV and basic security measures in place, it is become nearly impossible to prevent every incident.
"We’ve been advised not to engage if the cost isn’t substantial, but when it is happening daily, it all adds up," he lamented.
"They know we can’t chase them, and they’re getting bolder because of it. I am a small business owner. Every loss hits hard, but more than that, it is the helplessness that really gets to me. I feel like I’m just sitting here, watching them take what they want, and there is little I can do," he added.
At a nearby grocery store, Sinthujan Mahalingam has also witnessed the effects of the shoplifting surge.
"It is like clockwork," he said.
"Three times a week, we get hit by shoplifters. Sometimes it is food, sometimes alcohol or toiletries, but it's always something. They have figured out our patterns, and we have seen the same faces coming in and out."
Mr. Mahalingam explained that his employees are similarly advised not to engage with perpetrators unless the value of the goods stolen is significant.
"We've been told by the authorities and our insurers that it’s not worth the risk to confront them if the loss is minor," he said.
"But the reality is, those small thefts quickly add up. It’s putting my store in a difficult position."
"Even though it’s tempting to stop them, I can’t put my employees at risk for a few stolen items. It’s just not safe.
"However, it is frustrating knowing that these people feel like they can just walk in and take whatever they want without consequence."
Yakubu Ismail, a retail store owner in Sunderland who preferred not to be photographed said there are reports of at least one shoplifting incident a week.
"It is usually items, like energy drinks, crisp or a bottle of wine, but it is a consistent problem."
Mr. Ismail said that he has also been advised by both his insurers and local authorities not to engage with shoplifters unless the stolen items are of substantial value.
"I understand the reasoning behind it, but it’s hard to stand by and do nothing, especially when I know they’re just walking out with my product.
"It is demoralising to watch it happen, knowing that I can’t chase after them. But at the end of the day, my priority is keeping myself and my staff safe, even if that means taking a financial hit."
As the surge in shoplifting continues to affect Sunderland and the wider UK, business owners like Yakubu, Swain, and Mahalingam are left struggling to balance the safety of their staff with the increasing strain on their businesses.
With no signs of the trend slowing down, many are calling for greater support from law enforcement and stricter deterrents to curb the growing crime wave.
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