Move for sharp eye on sticky fingers

SHOPLIFTING takes an enormous toll on the global retail industry each year, costing retailers billions of rand to curb it.

National crimes statistics showed that reported cases of shoplifting increased from 70 487 in 2014 to 71 327 this year.

The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa said regarding the statistics, concern was focused on the increase in crime at both individual and business level.

“It is clear there are syndicates operating across the retail supply chain, and most of the incidents have targeted cash and high-value commodities such as jewellery, cellular, apparel and fast-moving consumer goods retailers.”

CRAVED, the acronym coined for the type of products shoplifters usually go for, refers to concealable, removable, available, valuable, enjoyable and disposable.

The Global Retail Theft Barometer estimated that shrinkage costs retailers R172 trillion worldwide. Of that number, about 43 percent is due to shoplifting, which costs the industry R73 trillion.

Managing director of Lodge Security, Matthew Dyball, differentiated between opportunists and professionals. The opportunist will try to steal a small item they cannot afford, while professional syndicates will steal in bulk to sell goods for cheaper prices.

SAPS spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said: “We are in partnership with various stakeholders; banking, retail and tourism sectors. The initiatives are carried out with other law enforcement agencies such as metro police, traffic and security industry.”