Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford talks to Lisa Owen about the recent spate of ram raids on retailers.
Harford says the police's 37% apprehension rate for retail thefts is a "really good start".
"I think there's a lot of concern out there for the health and safety of staff and customers. Nobody wants to be caught up in these sorts of incidents, but the point is they shouldn't be happening at all and I think we've really got to be asking ourselves as a society, why is it that we have allowed people to think that this is acceptable behaviour."
He told Checkpoint insurance premiums are going through the roof for retail businesses that are impacted by ram raids or smash and grabs.
"We've been hearing about businesses that have been going from maybe a $5,000 yearly insurance to $30,000 or north of $30,000. So these are big costs that ultimately will be passed on to consumers."
