About half (49 percent) of the approximately 900 responding store managers or equivalent say that they have been exposed to crime (theft and more) or threatening behavior recently. It is seven percentage points more than during the second quarter and also more than during the same period last year, according to Svensk Handel's security barometer.
"The organized crime's threat to trade and Swedish business must be high on the agenda in the upcoming election campaign. If we continue on the beaten path, the consequences will be devastating", says Svensk Handel's security chief Nina Jelver.
More have also reported the crimes to the police than before. Of those who have been exposed, 57 percent stated that they reported it to the police, compared to 36 percent during the previous quarter.
Good, thinks Nina Jelver:
"Even though it all too often does not lead to convictions, it sends clear signals to the police about the industry's vulnerability", she says in a comment.
