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Princes Street \u00a9 2025 Martin McAdam<\/p>\nMore than 230 people have been arrested in a crackdown on shoplifting gangs in the capital after Edinburgh was identified as one of the nation\u2019s top retail crime hotspots.<\/p>\n
Police Scotland\u2019s \u201cRetail Crime Taskforce\u201d is targeting Edinburgh, Glasgow and Lanarkshire as part of a \u00a33million fightback amidst the country\u2019s \u201cskyrocketing\u201d shoplifting epidemic.<\/p>\n
Data shows these three areas are the worst affected after recording the highest levels of retail crime in the country.<\/p>\n
Police Scotland say 234 charges have been brought against retail crime offenders since April relating to an estimated \u00a325,000 of stolen goods in Edinburgh alone.<\/p>\n
Around \u00a32000 of stolen property has been recovered with an additional \u201c230 offender identifications\u201d having been made across the city.<\/p>\n
Police Scotland say another 22 individuals who were wanted on existing warrants have also been arrested by the team.<\/p>\n
They say 31 reports have been submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and two court orders have been granted to \u201cban prolific offenders from specific retail locations\u201d, with three more orders now being sought.<\/p>\n
Compared to the sheer enormity of the task, however, the results barely scratch the surface.<\/p>\n
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) estimated there were over 1.4 million shoplifting incidents last year, costing retailers more than \u00a3150 million.<\/p>\n
The SNP\u2019s \u201csoft\u201d approach to justice is said to be fuelling Scotland\u2019s shoplifting epidemic with Police Scotland saying teenagers see it as \u201clow risk\/high reward\u201d.<\/p>\n
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said \u201cretail crime has skyrocketed in recent years\u201d.<\/p>\n
The SRC\u2019s most recent Crime Survey shows there were 170 incidents of violence or abuse targeting Scottish shop workers every day last year, with almost 4000 violent attacks having been recorded.<\/p>\n
Mr MacDonald-Russell said: \u201cWe were delighted that Scottish Ministers listened to our representations and subsequently funded the establishment of the Retail Crime Taskforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, the reality is the Police are only able to respond to a small number of incidents.<\/p>\n
\u201cIncreased and sustained funding alongside greater prioritisation is essential to break the cycle of shop worker abuse.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cIt\u2019s heartbreaking so many Scottish workers face the prospect of violence or abuse every day. That is never acceptable and we hope Ministers will continue to up the ante in resourcing Police Scotland to bring these criminals to justice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police Scotland data shows there were 22,806 shoplifting crimes between April 1 and September 30 \u2013 an increase of 3605 or 18.8% \u2013 and up 60.5% on the five-year average.<\/p>\n
They say organised crime gangs are travelling throughout the UK carrying out \u201chigh-value and bulk thefts\u201d from retail outlets.<\/p>\n
Police Scotland say secondary school pupils are the \u201csecond highest\u201d culprits in terms of store thefts as the Scottish Government faces claims of \u201cdecriminalising\u201d shoplifting and delivering \u201csoft justice\u201d.<\/p>\n
In a force report, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs says high demand at home and abroad for stolen items and cheaper products has made shoplifting an \u201cappealing venture\u201d for those under the age of criminal responsibility, which is 12, as well as the under-25s.<\/p>\n
He said evidence shows that in the last five years there has been an increase in the overall number of under 18s turning to shoplifting.<\/p>\n
ACC Mairs said: \u201cThe increasing cost of living, driven by fluctuations in market prices and supply chain pressures caused by political instability are all likely drivers, with the resulting high demand, domestically and internationally, for stolen items and cheaper products making shoplifting an appealing venture.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis could particularly apply to those under the age of criminal responsibility and under 25 who will be aware of potential criminal justice outcomes for shoplifting and see it as a low risk\/high reward crime.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Retail Crime Taskforce works alongside a range of key stakeholders to deliver a four-strand approach to tackling retail crime \u2013 prevent, pursue, protect and prepare.<\/p>\n
The Taskforce\u2019s Inspector Emma Wright said: \u201cI am really encouraged with the positive start Taskforce officers have made, as they work alongside divisional colleagues to identify retail crime offenders and bring them to justice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese results focus on the work achieved in Edinburgh alone, and I am aware of similar good work being undertaken throughout all policing areas of Scotland, either supported by Taskforce funding, completed by dedicated Taskforce officers or utilising intelligence work completed by the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot and will not become complacent, however, and will continue to target those involved in crimes of this nature across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst the issue of retail crime is a sizable one, we have shown that by using the funding made available and working together, Police Scotland, the retail sector and other key partners can make a real difference, demonstrating that retail crime is not a victimless one and it will not be tolerated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Princes Street \u00a9 2025 Martin McAdam<\/p>\n
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