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Workplace theft hits UK employers
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British retailers are winning the battle against shoplifters but are still being hit by staff theft, a report has suggested.
The Centre for Retail Research said the UK was one of the worst countries in Europe for stealing by employees, costing employers £1.5bn last year.
The UK was second behind Iceland in a study of employee theft in 25 nations.
Despite the continuing problem, overall losses through theft, fraud, damage and error fell 13% in the UK during 2004.
Staff vetting
The study of 440 retailers showed most were planning to get tough with internal crime, including more vetting of staff as well as bonuses and incentives to try to head off any threat of theft.
Internal error, process failures and pricing mistakes were thought to cause 16% of retail "shrinkage", leaving 84% of losses as crime-related.
Retailers perceived customer thefts to be responsible for 48% of shrinkage, employees for 29% (up 1% compared with 2003) and suppliers for 7%.
Items most likely to be stolen from UK retailers include designer and leather goods, perfumes, trainers, CDs, jewellery, videos, disposable razors and vitamins.