As featured in the latest edition of Scottish Local Retailer, and Scottish Grocer - both well-respected magazine serving the convenience and retail sector in Scotland, highlights a growing crisis on the high street. Retailers Against Crime (RAC), the national retail crime partnership headquartered in Stirling, has reported that member retailers experienced a 26% rise in losses over the past year, reaching £1.85 million. While the number of reported offences fell by 5% to 11,890, incidents involving violence increased sharply by 14%, with 1,674 cases reported to RAC in 2024.
The figures were shared at a recent RAC intelligence briefing held in Edinburgh, where key speakers from the retail, policing and security sectors came together to discuss the growing threat of retail crime and the need for coordinated action.
Retailers Against Crime: Playing a Vital Role in Retail Protection
RAC continues to demonstrate why it is such a crucial organisation within the retail crime landscape. Its unwavering commitment to supporting retailers, sharing intelligence and fostering collaboration between businesses and the police is proving vital in tackling the rise in both organised theft and violence.
Intelligence Co-ordinator Natasa Wilson emphasised that retail crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated and aggressive. She spoke of RAC’s mission to prevent crime, stressing the importance of collective effort and shared knowledge. Through their outreach and partnership efforts, RAC helps empower retail staff and security teams with the tools and information they need to take a proactive stance against crime.
SentrySIS: An Essential Crime Management Platform
One of the most powerful resources RAC provides is access to the SentrySIS platform, a real-time digital intelligence-sharing tool that connects retailers and the police. Wilson demonstrated how SentrySIS allows users to identify active criminals operating in their area, receive alerts on recent incidents, and access a secure database of over 16,000 known offenders.
The platform provides insights into criminal tactics, including distraction techniques and concealment tools, which are regularly used by professional theft teams. Wilson presented footage showing how coordinated groups execute swift, targeted thefts while evading detection. Understanding these methods is key to preventing losses, and SentrySIS gives retailers a critical advantage in this area.
Importantly, the platform also strengthens the bonds between retailers, enabling a sense of community and shared responsibility when tackling repeat and travelling offenders. Several retailers, including security managers from major names such as Harvey Nichols, Next and Marks & Spencer, shared their positive experiences using the system on a daily basis.
A Unified Approach to a Growing Challenge
Stephanie Karté, RAC’s National Operations Manager, echoed the urgent need for collaboration. She described how intelligence from the SentrySIS app has directly led to police apprehending offenders and reinforced the idea that tackling retail crime requires a partnership approach. Shop workers are increasingly being subjected to abuse and aggression, she said, which not only affects their safety but has wider implications for customer service, business viability and mental wellbeing.
This message was echoed by a security officer representing a national high street retailer, who spoke candidly about the toll that persistent theft and violence is taking on staff morale and wellbeing. He noted that incidents of retail crime do not just result in lost stock but leave lasting emotional impacts on employees, making them feel unsafe at work and less confident when engaging with customers.
PC Evelyn Hegarty from Police Scotland’s Crime Prevention Department confirmed that police officers are fully aware of the changing nature of shoplifting and its increased severity. She highlighted how some staff have even left their jobs due to trauma caused by repeated incidents and underscored the importance of joint working and clear communication with organisations like RAC.
In response, measures such as the formation of a new Retail Crime Taskforce, along with an upcoming Day of Action in Edinburgh in June, aim to deliver a coordinated crackdown on persistent offenders.
Conclusion
Retailers Against Crime is leading the charge in protecting retailers from the escalating threat of theft and violence. In an era where criminals are becoming increasingly organised and brazen, RAC’s work is more vital than ever. By fostering a sense of unity among retailers and police, and by leveraging powerful tools like SentrySIS, RAC is helping to create safer shopping environments and stronger retail communities.
SentrySIS stands out as an indispensable platform in this effort. It enables faster reactions, better intelligence, and a collaborative network of retailers committed to crime prevention. The impact of retail crime is wide-reaching, affecting profitability, staff wellbeing and public trust. With RAC at the helm, and the right technology in place, there is a clear and proactive path forward in defending Scotland’s high streets and shopping centres from harm.
To read more about Retailers Against Crime featured in the Scxottish Local Retailer, please click here. Alternatively, to find our more about RAC and how to become a member, visit their website here.