Almost every other store, 46 percent, responded that they have been subjected to some form of crime or threatening behavior in Svensk Handel compilation for 2024.
The figure is the highest since the organization began to measure security in 2018. The development is described as alarming and most vulnerable is the food industry.
According to Werner Jacoby, store manager at ICA, there are several thefts a day from the store in Stockholm where he works.
– It’s everything from the light everyday food, to emptying the cheese counter. That’s all kinds of stuff, he says.
The call: Do not intervene
The increasing thefts, which rarely lead to threats and violence, have meant that Swedish trade now urges employees not to intervene if they believe the situation risks escalating.
– I’m so used to it today so I probably shake it directly, but for the new employees we have, it is definitely not fun, says Werner Jacoby.
Join us into the grocery store that needs to handle theft daily.