Latest news with #2025CrimeSurvey
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Currys begins rollout of VoCoVo headsets across UK&I stores
UK-based technology products and services retailer Currys has partnered retail communications specialist VoCoVo to roll out Series 5 Pro headset technology across all its stores in the UK and Ireland. The initiative is part of Currys' investment in store safety and aims to equip every colleague with a headset by the end of May 2025. The move is a response to an industry-wide increase in shoplifting and incidents of abuse against employees, with the headsets designed to keep staff better connected and safer on the shop floor. The latest 2025 Crime Survey from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reveals that the aggregate expense incurred by the retail sector due to crime and expenditure on preventive strategies escalated to £4.2bn in 2023/24 - an increase from £3.3bn reported in the preceding year. Of this total, theft by customers represented a significant portion, amounting to £2.2bn in losses. The UK government has enacted new legislative measures to address the escalating issue of retail crime. Following a successful trial in 20 selected stores, Currys has now initiated a full rollout of the VoCoVo headsets. Currys UK stores director Matthew Speight stated: 'Incidents of shoplifting and aggression against retail workers are continuing to rise at a completely unacceptable level. 'VoCoVo's headsets, alongside a range of other store safety measures, are allowing us to put our best foot forward in protecting colleagues and customers from dangerous situations. We're excited to be rolling out the headsets to all our stores following positive feedback from the in-store trials.' The new technology not only enhances safety but also improves the in-store experience for customers. Colleagues can communicate more effectively, ensuring that customer queries are addressed promptly. The integration of Call Points throughout the stores will enable customers to request assistance at the push of a button. These notifications will be sent directly to the headsets worn by store colleagues, ensuring that help is promptly provided. VoCoVo UK and European Union commercial growth head Olivia Robinson stated: 'Currys is one of the most recognisable UK retail brands, known for trading the best tech products. 'As a tech-first company ourselves, we share many values with Currys and are proud to announce this partnership. We have enjoyed a successful trial and look forward to continuing to support the full rollout and seeing the impact VoCoVo makes to Currys and its colleagues.' VoCoVo introduced VoCoVo Link, a wearable headset system aimed at boosting communication, efficiency and safety for smaller retail teams, especially those in convenience stores, in 2024. The lightweight headsets support discreet, instant communication among team members, enhancing teamwork, speeding up customer service and providing a more effective way to handle security issues. "Currys begins rollout of VoCoVo headsets across UK&I stores" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government acts as UK retail crime escalates
Retail crime in the UK has reached unprecedented levels, with incidents of theft and violence against shop staff surging in the past year. In response, the government has introduced new legislation aimed at curbing the growing crisis. According to the British Retail Consortium's (BRC) 2025 Crime Survey, the total cost of retail crime, including prevention measures, rose to £4.2bn in 2023/24, up from £3.3bn the previous year. Customer theft alone accounted for £2.2bn of these losses. The survey also reported over 20 million incidents of theft during the same period. Violence and abuse towards retail workers have escalated dramatically, with more than 2,000 incidents occurring daily—an increase of over 50% from the previous year. Notably, 70 of these daily incidents involved a weapon, more than double the previous year's figure. In response to the escalating retail crime crisis, the UK government has introduced the Crime and Policing Bill 2025. Key measures include the creation of a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker, carrying a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Upon first conviction, courts are expected to impose a Criminal Behaviour Order, potentially barring offenders from specific premises. The bill also repeals Section 22A of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980, which previously allowed shoplifting of goods valued under £200 to be treated as a summary offence. This change ensures that all shop thefts are treated with the seriousness they deserve, with potential custodial sentences of up to seven years. Retail industry bodies, including the BRC, have welcomed the proposed legislation but stress the need for effective implementation and enforcement. They advocate for increased police presence and better support for retail workers to combat the growing threat of retail crime. As retail crime continues to impact businesses and communities across the UK, the effectiveness of these legislative measures will be closely monitored in the coming months. "Government acts as UK retail crime escalates" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
