Rising retail crime is a problem the industry is struggling with. Recent data from ONS says shoplifting has shot up by 30% in the last 12 months. Added to this, the commercial victimisation survey 2023 found that more than 1 in 4 wholesale & retail premises experienced customer theft.
Coop has reported a continued increase in incidents of retail crime – now 42% higher than in 2022. We have seen many business owners looking to increase the security of their retail premises in recent times. But what can be done?
Let criminals know they’ve been seen
Make sure thieves know they’ve been spotted entering your store. This could be by employing a “meet & greet” approach. Many larger stores employ a ‘greeter’ to welcome customers to the store. Not only is this a friendly approach, but is also lets criminals know you’ve clocked them coming into your shop. According the the police, speaking to them almost as soon as they enter your premises can put off shoplifters. They’re less likely to proceed with a crime if they feel they have been noticed.
Shoplifters can always assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by a member of staff.
Met Police
And they’re being watched
An alternative way to let thieves know they’ve been seen is by use of prominent CCTV cameras and a big screen. Those big TVs where you can see yourself entering a shop are placed there specifically for this reason. It sends a clear message that you are being watched, which often results in a modification of person’s behaviour.
News reports national retailers have spent millions in upgrading their security systems, and local businesses are also investing to protect their property, premises and people. We’ve seen a large increase in shop owners looking to have security camera systems installed in their premises as they attempt to tackle rising retail crime.
Rising Retail Crime
It’s not just shoplifting that’s causing concern for retailers. Violent and abusive behaviour is also blighting the industry. One measure many of our customers have adopted is the use of monitored panic alarms. A combination of measures is required in order to provide peace of mind.
The King’s Speech was welcomed by major retails and the British Retail Consortium. It announced that the “Crime and Policing Bill 2024” will include measures to tackle retail crime. This will include creating a specific offence for assaulting a shop worker, as well as stronger measures to deal with low-level shoplifting.
“It is right that the Government, police and business come together to collectively send the strongest signal that these crimes will not be tolerated.”
K Murphy – Tesco Chief Exec
It’s worth noting that all these figures are from earlier this year. They do not include the crimes businesses have faced this summer, after violent thugs have trashed many high streets.
Keybury Fire and Security are a Yorkshire based family business. We design, install and maintain fire alarms, CCTV, access control and intruder alarm systems. We are NSI GOLD and BAFE approved. Keybury Fire and Security offer monitored systems, new installations and upgrades. Considering improving the security at your premises? Contact us for a free of charge survey. Call our team on 0800 458 7486, email enquiries@keybury.co.uk or book online https://keybury.co.uk/book-surveyor/