Leather jackets most at risk of being nicked this Christmas

London - While different reports indicated that UK retailers could be in a bumper Christmas, retailers would be wise to keep a sharp eye out for the festive shoplifter as up to 1 billion pounds worth of products is set to be nicked during the Christmas shopping season.

A new report from Checkpoint, merchandise availability solutions, predicts dishonest shoppers and employees are set to steal merchandise equal to 38 per cent of all store losses incurred over the year during the next two months alone. This put retailers in a tough predicament, as they torn between attracting potential seasonal consumers and protecting their products.

The most likely to be stolen products this Christmas include leather jackets and designer winter coats, as well as smaller and easier-to-hide items like make-up and fragrances. These items offer a high resale value on online marketplaces as well as the black market, making them hot targets. In addition electrical items are also more likely to be nicked during the festive season, with electric toothbrushes, shavers, straighteners and kitchen electricals all popular gifts.

The amount UK retailers will lose in stolen merchandise this Christmas is equal to every person in the UK stealing 15.15 pounds over the the festive period - which is more than double the amount stolen during the rest of the year. This surge in store theft places more pressure on retailers as well as honest consumers who pay for their products, as they will have to pay for it in the price increases which follow. But why is the festive period such a prime-time for shoplifters?

The report argues that Christmas presents an increasing number of opportunities for shoplifters to make a move. For example, more people in store makes it harder for retailers to spot the thieves, whereas the increased number of products on display makes it easier for shoplifters to take something unnoticed. In addition, with everyone on the lookout for that perfect gift, it also makes it easier for thieves to shift stolen goods such as gift sets and alcohol as they are in higher demand.

The influx in temporary seasonal staff hired to work the rush hours also means they are less likely to be properly trained, and the high turnover of products often leds to staff rushing to move stock to the shop floor without checking to see if they have already been tagged."Retailers are faced with the difficult task of ensuring they can manage the influx of customers, as well as protecting their merchandise and ensuring it is available for honest shoppers to purchase," commented Neville Payne, Vice President of Merchandise Availability Solutions at Checkpoint Systems.

"It’s important not to compromise on the bottom line over the festive period by taking shortcuts, training and security compliance are easy steps to ensure a successful Christmas." Thoroughly training seasonal staff can help curb shoplifting losses, while new technology can help retailers manage their inventory loss and stock availability.

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