The level of crime in the retail trade has reached record high levels, shows the 2024 Safety Barometer from Swedish Trade.
More specifically, last year’s security index – which should summarize the percentage of stores that have been subjected to break-ins, theft, threats or violence – was 49 percent, which is the highest rating since the barometer began to be conducted in 2018.
– It is an alarming development, but unfortunately we cannot say that we are surprised. We receive daily testimonies from our members who believe that the situation is urgent. Almost half of the stores have suffered from theft or threats during the year. The consequences can be fatal, and in the end it is society that stands as the loser, says Nina Jelverhead of security at Swedish Trade, in a press release.
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Swedish Trade: “Now we need to take action”
The industry that has proven to be the most vulnerable is the food trade, and geographically speaking, it is stores in Stockholm that are most exposed to crime.
In the worst case, the development could lead to stores shutting down their operations.
– The judiciary must take these figures seriously. Committing crimes in trade must begin to be punished. If nothing is done, we risk losing services, jobs and security in our local communities. For several years now, we have pointed out that the vulnerability is growing in scope. Now we need a boost from politics and the judiciary, says Nina Jelver i the press release.
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Photo: Amir Nabizadeh/TT The store manager at Ica: “Absolutely not fun”
When SVT talks to a store manager at Ica, he states that they see thefts daily in the store, which is located in Stockholm.
– It’s everything from the light everyday food, to emptying the cheese counter. It’s all kinds of stuff.
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The thefts often lead to situations where threats and violence occur, which has led to Swedish Trade urging employees not to intervene if they suspect that the situation may escalate.
– I’m so used to it today so I probably shake it off right away, but for the new employees we have it’s absolutely no fun, says the store manager to SVT.
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