Recent figures have suggested that shoplifting cost retailers around £1.8bn in 2023, making it the highest loss on record. This epidemic appears to not be slowing so businesses are being urged to remain vigilant during these times.
Shahzad Ali, security expert and CEO of Get Licensed, has shared advice for businesses worried about shoplifting:
1 – Hire a Ssecurity team
“Having a few trained security guards on hand can be a great deterrent for shoplifters. Not only this but they can help boost the morale of staff and ensure that both customers and employees feel safe in the store. These individuals will have received proficient security training including protection and conflict management, taking the pressure off of staff members.”
2 – Increased staffing
“Stores should increase their staffing to provide the store with better coverage and opportunities to detect shoplifters. Staff should also be well-equipped with customer service skills, providing a pleasant environment for shoppers, not only will this benefit the business but it will also reduce the notability of CCTV cameras and increased security levels, especially for those innocent shoppers.”
3 – Increased training
“Ensure that all staff are aware of the protocol for when dealing with shoplifters – training them to understand any new security systems and steps they need to take in the instance of a robbery. Introduce your security team to your staff to build an understanding and trust between the teams and make sure they’re all on the same page about protocol and systems.”
4 – Safeguarding
“It is crucial that you prioritise staff safeguarding, especially at a time with unprecedented rates of shoplifting. Some instances of shoplifting can be threatening and frightening for staff and customers, therefore having wellbeing services and contacts on hand for advice and comfort is important for both morale and mental health.”
5 – Law enforcement relationships
“It can be beneficial to establish a strong relationship with local law enforcement agencies. Quick response times and cooperation with police can make a significant difference in apprehending and prosecuting shoplifters. This can also help further deter shoplifters; if the store has a good reputation for catching and prosecuting these criminals, it’s likely fewer will attempt to steal from there.”
