Managers use register to help spot suspects
Ar o g u e s’ gallery detailing more than 5,000 thieves is being deployed by Scotland’s embattled stores as shoplifting hits a five- year high, we can reveal.
The secret database is being shared between stores and retail groups to help identify suspects and share intelligence about their methods.
Shoplifting increased by nearly 10% last year with 31,321 incidents reported to Police Scotland, a five- year high, with this year’s figure expected to be even higher.
The figure was up 9% on the previous year when 28,650 incidents were reported, leading to 8,288 convictions.
A Sunday Post investigation has revealed how thieves, from petty criminals to organised crime gangs, are plundering shops and stores across the country.
Experts believe around 40% of reported thefts are the work of organised gangs.
The outfits use a range of techniques from distracting staff, securing refunds on stolen goods and targeting self-service checkouts.
One retailer had thousands of pounds of household goods stolen by crooks who placed them on the self-service scales, fraudu l e n t l y m a r k i n g them as bananas.
Thieves are also kitted out with devices for removing security tags, sold for £ 500 online, and using foil to line bags to stop tags triggering alarms.
But shops are working to combat the criminals by pooling knowledge through the Stirlingbased Retailers Against Crime (RAC) network, which also shares intelligence with the police.
Its database includes images of around 5,000 offenders, who they are and how they work.
R AC m a n a g i n g d i re c t o r Maxine Fraser said: “The majority of the theft reported to us is carried out by organised crime groups and professionals who
Scores of detailed guides to shoplifting are available online despite calls for them to be banned.
Videos giving tips on stealing from stores have been viewed thousands of times on Youtube. How-to guides show thieves the process of removing security make their living from it. The organised crime groups are linked to other things — drugs, firearms, prostitution, human trafficking.
“Then you have the professionals who do this as their ‘job’. “If a store suffers that much shop theft then it’s going to close as it can’t be supported. tags while others show how to use foillined boxes and bags to evade alarms.
Social media and blogging sites also have hints on shoplifting where thieves can compare notes. There are links to shoplifting sites selling tag removers, foil and other items used by thieves.
“That affects the economy because people will lose their jobs. Organised criminals don’t care about that, they don’t give a jot. They are ruthless people.
“Even though there are many things that can deter them like heavy fines, proceeds of crime, jail, it doesn’t stop them. People who are habitual criminals, they
One blog lists 54 tips aimed at women, including advice on what to wear to avoid attention and how often shoplifting sprees can be carried out without being noticed. It also advises thieves to carry an old receipt from the store to flash at store staff if stopped.