Retailers Warn of Christmas Theft
Theft at Christmas time is on the rise in Cardiff Central shopping centre and posing major threats to retailers.
“People can come in and just grab loads of items and run out.”
December is a time for festivities and bringing people together, but for retailers it is a very stressful period that involves being hypervigilant for theft as well as focusing on increasing sales before the new year. With Christmas sales around the corner, shopping centres usually bring in extra security to crack down on shop lifting during Christmas time.
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However, for one shopping centre, St David’s, in Cardiff City, retailers are on the lookout for theft happening in their stores much more rigorously after cuts are made to security guards.
Speaking to managers at Mango in Cardiff, they acknowledge that, “We have targets to hit,” and with theft being so common, “It’s a loss for us,” at a time where stores are trying to fight to hit sales targets.
“There’s a lot of pressure on people at Christmas time,” states the store manager at Mango, who understands that theft is a result of desperation, however, it is a huge concern for the shop.
St David’s shopping centre has over 120 retailers inside with millions of people visiting annually. Over Christmas time, this footfall increases and the risk of theft along with it. The assistant store manager of Mango states, “They have definitely reduced the amount of stewards,” whilst discussing the response from St David’s security to the response of theft.
This poses a serious problem for retailers at a time that is crucial for sales with “More people shopping.” Busy shopping centres, such as St David's, need to act quickly when reports are being made.
