Convenience stores are facing a staggering rise in theft incidents, prompting calls for the police to establish a "most wanted" list of offenders, according to the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
The ACS, representing 48,000 stores, revealed that over 1.1 million theft cases were reported last year, pushing their self-devised "theft index" to an all-time high. The most commonly targeted items include meat, alcohol, and confectionery, which are attractive to drug or alcohol addicts as well as organised crime networks.
James Lowman, the CEO of ACS, expressed concern over the unprecedented levels of theft, with repeat offenders stealing without fear of consequences. He emphasized that the surge in theft is not primarily driven by individuals facing financial difficulties but by organized criminal gangs and addicts resorting to theft to support their substance abuse issues.
