Retail crime statistics decline in 2010: CGRI

Retail crime statistics have decreased considerably over the past year, with armed robberies decreasing 43% and burglaries dropping 26% when compared with figures reported in 2009, according to the Consumer Goods Risk Initiative (CGRI).

"The 2010 crime figures were the lowest we have ever recorded," said James Oosthuizen, manager of the Consumer Goods Risk Initiative (CGRI).

CGRI is a business unit within the Consumer Goods Council of SA and specialises in crime prevention in the retail industry.

The number of armed robberies reported in 2010 decreased to 159 compared with 282 incidents in 2009, while the number of burglaries reduced to 311 when compared with 426 incidents reported in 2009.

"To claim the honour for it ourselves would be presumptuous, the credit should go towards the SA Police Service and its members who have sacrificed their sestive seasons to protect us," added Oosthuizen.

Financial losses by the retailers as a result of crime also decreased substantially.

A financial comparison on robbery indicates a 48% drop to 10.03 million rand from 19.36 million rand in 2009 and on burglary there was a 49% decrease to 10.07 million rand from 19.97 million rand in 2009.