Retail Giants Fight Back Against Surge in Shoplifting
- John Lewis and Waitrose attribute shoplifting surge to ‘greed not need’
- New security measures being implemented
- CCTV systems upgraded with public display monitors near high-value products
- Locking trolleys if not paid for
- Shoplifting in England and Wales at highest level since 2003
- Organized gangs involved in stealing for resale or addiction
John Lewis and Waitrose have attributed the surge in shoplifting to ‘greed’ rather than necessity, as they implement new security measures such as upgraded CCTV systems with public display monitors near high-value products like alcohol and meat. The John Lewis Partnership is also locking trolleys if not paid for. Last year, shoplifting in England and Wales reached the highest level since records began in 2003, with over 430,000 offences recorded. Organized gangs and prolific offenders are involved in stealing to feed addictions or for resale.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about John Lewis and Waitrose’s response to increasing shoplifting rates and quotes from a director of central operations and security at the company. It also cites data from the Office for National Statistics on the rise in shoplifting incidents. However, it includes some minor sensationalism with phrases like ‘epidemic’ and ‘profoundly shocking,’ which may exaggerate the issue.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the increasing levels of shoplifting and the measures taken by John Lewis and Waitrose to combat the issue. It also includes quotes from a director of central operations and security at the company, as well as data from the Office for National Statistics. However, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis or context on the causes and consequences of this trend.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: John Lewis Partnership and other retail companies
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the increasing levels of shoplifting impacting the John Lewis Partnership, which is a major retail company in the UK. This can have financial implications for the company as it may lead to losses and increased security costs. It also mentions that shoplifting has reached record levels in England and Wales, which could potentially affect other retail companies as well.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article, and the issue discussed (shoplifting) does not meet the criteria for any of the extreme event types. The impact rating is set to Minor as it focuses on a growing problem within retail crime but does not cause significant deaths, injuries, or major damage.
www.retailgazette.co.uk