Thaindian News

London, Dec 3 (IANS) High street shops are braced for a 1 billion-pound crimewave over Christmas and New Year, a media report said Saturday.

Shoplifters are expected to steal goods worth 656 million pounds with champagne and women’s underwear at the top of their wish list, the Daily Express said on its website quoting the Centre for Retail Research, which produces the Global Retail Theft Barometer.

Fancy foodstuffs like smoked salmon and speciality cheeses will also be targeted along with iPods, perfume and DVD box sets, it said.

Shops are forecast to lose another 302 million pounds to crooked staff plus 83 million pounds through supply chain fraud, it added.

The centre is predicting a 6.2 percent increase in festive crime compared with last year.

Neil Matthews, of security firm Checkpoint Systems which sponsored the research, urged more crime prevention measures.

He said: “We are advising retailers to be on their guard during the holiday season.

“With more customers passing through the doors and additional staff drafted in to cover the busy period, it is essential that store operators are vigilant and aware of the potential risks before they arise.”

Professor Joshua Barnfield, director of the Centre for Retail Research, said: “It shouldn’t come as a surprise to the industry that shoplifting, employee theft and supply chain fraud are likely to increase during the festive period.

“However, this should not be underestimated. The double pressure of a weak economy combined with the most expensive time of the year will inevitably lead to an increase in loss.”

Research shows the shoplifting gangs will also target designer clothing, fashion accessories, sportswear and trainers.