Svensk Handel, a group that represents the retail and wholesale trade in Sweden, has welcomed new legislation by the Swedish government to combat organised crime in the retail sector.
In a statement, Svensk Handel said that it 'welcomes the fact that the government is now taking the matter seriously and is acting'.
A recent report on retail theft in Sweden found that two thirds of crimes are typically carried out by habitual criminals, and that foreign gangs are also targeting the sector. Once caught, criminals are often convicted with fines that are generally never paid, the group said.
Constructive Dialogue
"We have had a constructive dialogue with the government and welcome that they are taking action against organised crime that is affecting trade. In order for the proposals to become reality, sufficient resources and clarity about governance and responsibility are also required, "said Per Geijer, security manager at Svensk Handel.
Geijer added that current sections against criminals are insufficient, adding that professional gangs see Sweden as an easy target.
"Professional criminals make proper risk calculations, and for them, Sweden appears to be a lucrative market," he said.
"The government's proposal takes steps in the right direction to create a safer environment in our stores."
The retail sector accounts for a tenth of Sweden's GDP, comprising 11,000 companies with 300,000 employees.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
