Despite a decline in physical crimes in 2023, shop thefts have increased for the third year in a row
Despite a decline in physical crimes in 2023, shop thefts have increased for the third year in a row – a 21.4% increase from the previous year. These incidents comprised almost one-fifth of all physical crimes. Items commonly stolen included food and beverages, alcoholic drinks, personal care products, cosmetics, apparel, and accessories.
Although overall physical crime cases fell by 1.1% in 2023, shop theft remains a significant concern, accounting for 19.7% of total physical crime cases. Retailers are actively engaging in crime prevention efforts, including initiatives like the Shop Theft Awareness for Retailers program.
The reported 4,000 theft cases at shops in Singapore in 2023 accounted for almost 20% of all reported physical crimes, indicating a significant challenge in retail security.
The reported increase in shoplifting cases, reaching 3,939 in 2023, highlights the persistent challenge faced by retailers in combating theft. This trend, with a 21.4% rise from the previous year, emphasizes the need for effective retail security measures.
While overall physical crime cases decreased by 1.1% in 2023, shop theft remained a concern with a significant 21.4% increase, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to address this specific type of crime. Other flagged concerns include voyeurism, emphasizing the importance of addressing various aspects of public safety.
The significant increase in scam cases, coupled with a slight decrease in the amount of money lost, underscores the urgency of addressing the rising threat of scams. The authorities’ efforts to curb losses during ongoing scams highlight the importance of timely interventions to protect individuals from financial harm.
THEFT FROM HOUSES AND SHOPS
The prevalence of shop theft at retail outlets, especially in department stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies, underscores the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance in these locations. The increased use of CCTV may contribute to better detection and reporting, shedding light on the magnitude of the issue. However, it also indicates the challenges faced by retailers in managing theft, potentially driven by factors like manpower shortages and the expanding retail landscape in Singapore.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is proactively addressing the issue of shop theft by engaging the public of all age groups and raising awareness about the consequences of shoplifting. Initiatives like school talks, the Coffee with a Cop program, house visits, and crime prevention talks are utilized to disseminate information. Additionally, the Shop Theft Awareness for Retailers (STAR) program involves collaboration with retailers, such as Sephora and Mustafa Centre, to analyze risk factors and vulnerabilities in stores to mitigate shop theft.
Theft in dwelling cases in 2023 declined by 34 cases to 1,695, constituting 8.5% of total physical crime cases. A majority of these cases, 60.2%, occurred at residential and commercial premises and were committed or suspected to be committed by individuals known to the victims, such as family members or tenants.
