Shopkeepers are stepping up their efforts to combat crime as recent figures reveal that theft and violence are costing retailers hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Research by commercial insurer NFU Mutual says that nearly three-quarters of retailers surveyed have experienced crime in the last 12 months, costing shops a staggering average of around £60,000.

The reports also found that one in 20 retailers had lost half a million pounds to crime in this period.

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Almost two-thirds of retailers have adopted security measures, including hiring full-time security and installing CCTV.

Some retailers have also provided staff with bodycams and panic alarms for safety.

Zoe Knight, NFU Mutual's head of commercial, said: "Our study shows a worrying number of our retailers are falling victim to crime, which continues to plague our shops, and more than eight in 10 (81 per cent) believe it has increased in the last year.

“With retailers on average suffering losses of around £60,000 a year as a result of theft, the results of this survey will concern the industry."

The most common crime experienced by retailers is theft of goods from the shopfloor or stockroom during operating hours.

The British Retail Consortium has demanded actions be taken to eradicate this form of crime.