“We need to tackle shoplifting – retail crime is at an outrageous level”
Inverness Councillor Dr Michael Gregson has called on Highland Council to work with the new Area Commander, Chief Inspector Jamie Wilson, to combat the “retail crime wave” hitting shops across the region.
“For too long shoplifting has been considered low-level crime, there’s been, historically, low levels of reporting because the police response hasn’t been the greatest, and charges haven’t even been brought on many occasions.
“But I’m hopeful that Chief Inspector Wilson will bring energy and commitment to our valuable retail sector.
“It’s a major challenge.
“Nationally there’s been a 21% rise, with an estimated cost of almost £2bn.
“In Highland, the trend is staggering: a 5-year average of 408 crimes, but the 2024-25 figure is 680.
“It’s getting worse.
“And these figures are just reported incidents.
“As the Scottish Grocers’ Federation has called it, it’s a ‘tsunami’ of crime.
“And the Scottish Retail Consortium has highlighted the disturbing reality that thieves are becoming “more brazen and aggressive”.
“With 1 in 5 shop workers having experienced violence in the last year, according to USDAW, we urgently need more front-line police officers and a more focused approach.
“And it’s about partnership in each area.
“Shopkeepers, their staff – and shoppers – need support and action on the ground right now.
“This crime has a real impact on businesses of all sizes, and on the safety of our communities. Highland Council can play an important part.”
- Multi-agency working can enable sharing of information, and identify persistent offenders – and the organised gangs often in the background.
- Facial-recognition technology, Closed-circuit television, Body-worn cameras can make a big difference where these are available.
“I hope Highland Council can join with Police Scotland and others to tackle this scourge of our communities.”
