Seamus Logan MP recently met with Managers of the Asda stores in Peterhead and Fraserburgh to discuss the devastating impact of retail crime on workers, customers and businesses locally and across the UK.
As local Asda Store Managers, both Eric Falconer and Steve Hulse have witnessed an increase in incidences of customer theft in their respective stores, reflecting a rise across the UK of 3.7million to 20.4 million incidences in the 12 months to September 2024. In addition, violence and abuse against shopworkers in the UK has risen by 50%, with a shocking 2,000 incidents recorded on average every day UK-wide.
Commenting after his meeting, Seamus Logan MP said:
“These national statistics are alarming and present a significant challenge to retailers and those that work with the public in these stores. For local shoppers in my constituency of Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, they will be relieved to know that Asda has been working hard to mitigate the challenge that retail theft presents in order to keep their colleagues and customers safe.
“In a sobering discussion with Store Managers Eric and Steve, the implications of retail crime in terms of cost to customers with increased prices and the ability of Asda to keep jobs secure illustrates how shoplifting is not a victimless crime.
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“Some Asda stores have CCTV which can record evidence to support prosecution, others have security gates installed while staff wear body cams to protect themselves and deter potential thieves. It’s extraordinary the lengths they need to go to to keep their staff and customers safe. Eric and Steve were keen to emphasise that police responsiveness is good in our local area but any rise in crimes like these puts additional pressure on police resources and court systems, with lengthy prosecution processes and thefts continuing in the meantime.
“Of course, behind the statistics are deep rooted socio-economic factors that we must tackle such as poverty and addiction, not to mention organised gangs targeting stores. Asda is keen to work in partnership with the police to reduce crime and improve community safety, collaborating on high attendance rates by police to reported incidents in store.
“Finally, it was a pleasure to meet Lindy Woolner, freezer assistant at Asda’s Peterhead store, who has worked with the supermarket for nearly 30 years and is due to retire this week on her birthday – I wish her the very best for this double celebration and hope she enjoys her retirement after decades of dedication to her job.”
