During the cost-of-living crisis, shopkeepers in the West Midlands are experiencing an increase in shoplifting, with one shopkeeper adopting extreme measures to combat it.
Whasuf Farooq, chemist at Pak Pharmacy in Saltley, Birmingham, stated that he was repeatedly targeted by criminals who stole thousands of pounds’ worth of medicines, with some using their children as accomplices. He took matters into his own hands in response to the police’s lack of response by posting blurry images of suspects outside his business and on social media.
According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), larceny in the United Kingdom cost retailers £953 million in 2021/22, and thefts have increased during the cost-of-living crisis. Farrah McNutt, chief executive officer of Catch a Thief UK, met with businesses in Birmingham prior to a security event in the city. She explained that as a deterrent to shoplifters, her company provides lists of food banks, community fridges, and shelters.
Simon Foster, the Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, stated that budget constraints have made it increasingly difficult to prevent and combat larceny. He mentioned an innovative programme in Birmingham called “Offender to Rehab” that works with repeat shoplifters to treat their alcohol or drug addictions and stop them from shoplifting.
During the cost-of-living crisis, shopkeepers in the West Midlands are facing an unprecedented threat from shoplifters, and many feel let down by police inaction. However, some individuals are taking matters into their own hands by installing CCTV cameras and “walls of shame” to deter thieves. Innovative programmes such as ‘Offender to Rehab’ have also been implemented to address the fundamental causes of shoplifting and assist those affected.
