It's that time of year when the British Retail Consortium (BRC) starts pulling together information for its annual Retail Crime Survey. This year's report, which will be the 13th, will be the "most comprehensive of any crime survey in the UK".

For the first time, the call is going out to all retailers rather than just BRC members. Interested parties can download a copy of the questionnaire here.

Last year’s survey said crime and crime prevention measures cost the retail industry £2.13 billion, and that both theft and attacks were rising.

Kevin Hawkins, BRC director-general, said:

"With an 18% rise in customer theft, and violence against staff soaring, this is clearly an issue that affects all retail businesses."