John Hannett, deputy general secretary of the USDAW called on the government to make retail crime a key performance indicator for the police.

Hannett thanked the BRC for its work in fighting retail crime and the joint efforts retailers have made with the USDAW in tackling the problem of violence against retail staff.

Bill Moyles, BRC director general, said: 'Retail crime is a priority not just for employers, but employees, which is why we have worked closely with USDAW to demonstrate that retail crime is not victimless.

'There are 15 million incidents of retail crime each year, the majority of which are linked to hard drug abuse. The cost to the industry is £2.2 billion, but retail crime is not just about cost, it is a major social and community issue.

'John Hannett's speech echoes the BRC's belief that retail crime must be made a key police performance indicator, because the areas of criminal activity that concern retailers most are the problems which effect communities. These are the extent of youth crime, the escalating problems of drug abuse and drug related crime, and the disturbing increases in violence and robbery.' Moyles concluded: 'We look to the government and the police to create a safe climate for retailers to trade and shoppers to shop.'