UK retailers should be extra-vigilant against the threat of theft in the build-up to Christmas, according to a report by Checkpoint Retail.
The research suggests shoplifters will steal stock worth £430m in the next four weeks and estimates that items worth more than £26m will be taken on the busiest shopping day of the year, Saturday 22nd December.
"Christmas is a busy time for retailers," said David Nuttall of Checkpoint Systems UK. "Ensuring product availability, customer service and adequate staff levels is crucial but in order to maximise profits, management must ensure security solutions are in place to protect stock."
The most common items targeted by thieves are perfumes, alcohol and women's wear, the research added.