JD sports target for thieves

JD Sports, the sportswear chain operated by John David Group, has tightened up its refund policy after it was targeted by thieves who used the company's gift vouchers as currency to buy drugs. Goods were stolen from one branch and returned to another in exchange for gift vouchers. JD Sports was tipped off by police who believed that the shoplifters were then exchanging the vouchers for drugs. Dealers were redeeming the vouchers at 50 per cent of face value. In one case, around £2,000 in gift vouchers were presented at a JD Sports store to be redeemed for products.

Tim Edwards, John David Group's loss control director, confirmed that JD Sports has tightened up its refund policy since January. Vouchers are no longer given in exchange for items brought back without a receipt. The group is also considering introducing electronic gift cards which have no face value, and generate transactions that are more easily traceable.