Retailers and shoppers share growing concerns over anti-social behaviour

Source: Retail Digital

Date :21/05/2007 15:58:28

A survey of managers at the UK's leading shopping centres has found that they are calling for more support from the police and local councils to address the growing problem of anti-social behaviour.

The research, conducted for G4S Security Services (UK), reveals that one-in-five shopping centre managers would like more help improving safety and security in the area surrounding their shopping centre.

Of those shopping centre managers calling for more local support, almost three quarters want an increased police presence. A further 14 percent would like police response times to improve, while the remainder stated a desire for better implementation of CCTV systems in the area.

The findings come as a national consumer survey found that the greatest concern for 57 percent of British adults while shopping was anti-social behaviour, ahead of 52 percent who feared violent attacks and just 23 percent who worry about terrorism.

Douglas Greenwell, Sales & Marketing Director of G4S Security Services (UK) said: “This research shows that anti-social behaviour is a major challenge for retailers looking to attract customers.

“It's clear that they need to continue to work closely with the police and local councils to limit these 'petty crimes' which continue to be a major nuisance to millions of people. If they don't, then consumers will vote with their feet and shop elsewhere.”