Ica Urges Stronger Measures Against Increasing Theft Incidents

In light of rising theft incidents, Ica retail chain representatives are calling for more stringent actions to combat the growing trend of shoplifting. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in thefts, with three out of four store owners noting a consistent rise for the past three years. In a specific incident, a store owner shared her experience of confronting two individuals who had stolen meat from her store multiple times. The confrontation escalated when the culprits verbally abused her, demonstrating the aggressive behavior that employees often face.

Store personnel have reported various alarming encounters, including one employee being elbowed in the chest and others receiving threats of physical violence. The store owner emphasized that her staff deserves a safe working environment, expressing her deep concern over the erosion of trust in people due to these frequent incidents.

According to Ica's internal report, theft incidents have surged by approximately 25 percent compared to the previous year. The situation has become so dire that the owner mentioned the possibility of hiring additional staff solely to monitor theft. In response to the persistent problem, the store has relocated all meat products behind the deli counter and minimized the display of other high-theft items.

Over eight years, the store has filed hundreds of police reports related to theft, yet only one case has resulted in a conviction while the rest have been dismissed. This has led Ica, along with its store owners, to advocate for tougher law enforcement measures and additional police resources to tackle organized retail crime. The store owner criticized proposals to raise the threshold for petty theft to 1,500 SEK, suggesting instead that it should be lowered to 50 or 100 SEK to ensure accountability for offenders.

Furthermore, the owner proposed increased collaboration between local authorities and retailers. She highlighted a positive example from Västerås, where local initiatives have been implemented to address the issue. Following reports that thefts rise during weekends, the city decided to extend the operating hours of community services, providing a constructive outlet for individuals prone to shoplifting.

The owner noted the effectiveness of sharing insights between merchants and municipal services, which has led to a noticeable improvement in the situation. Additionally, there is a push from Ica to strengthen the existing ban on individuals entering stores after committing theft, which was established in 2021. The current law, according to store owners, lacks effectiveness as it requires a conviction for a ban to be enforced, creating a cycle of impunity for repeat offenders.

As the situation escalates, Ica continues to seek solutions to protect its employees and ensure a safer shopping environment for all customers.