Samuel de Lange from Guardhouse explores ways of combatting the rise in shoplifting.

Loss prevention has emerged as a critical concern for retailers worldwide, with shoplifting incidents reaching alarming levels, particularly in the United Kingdom.

According to a recent BBC, shoplifting offenses recorded by police in England and Wales have soared to the highest level in 20 years.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported over 430,000 recorded offenses in the past year, representing a significant increase from the previous year.

These figures, however, are believed to represent only a fraction of the actual incidents, as many cases go unreported due to various factors such as the time-consuming nature of reporting crimes and the perceived lack of follow-up from law enforcement. 

The impact of shoplifting on retailers, as highlighted in the BBC article by Fiona Malone, a convenience store owner in Tenby, Wales, is profound.

Fiona recounted losing goods worth tens of thousands of pounds to shoplifting in the past year alone, prompting her to invest in expensive anti-theft technology to safeguard her business.

The emotional toll of these losses is evident, with Fiona expressing sadness and disbelief at the prevalence of theft despite trusting the community. 

In response to the growing crisis, retailers and industry associations are calling for greater police action and tougher penalties for perpetrators.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported a 50% increase in violence towards retail staff, including racial abuse, physical assault, and threats with weapons, in the year leading up to September 2023.

This escalation in aggression underscores the urgent need for effective loss prevention strategies to ensure the safety and security of both employees and customers. 

To combat the rise in shoplifting and safeguard against losses, retailers can adopt a range of proactive measures.

Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and areas of concern within retail stores is the first step.

This assessment forms the foundation for developing targeted loss prevention strategies tailored to address specific risks such as shoplifting, employee theft, operational errors, and organized retail crime. 

Implementing robust inventory management practices is crucial for tracking merchandise and detecting irregularities.

Utilizing scanning and tracking technology such as barcode systems or radio frequency identification (RFID) enables accurate monitoring of stock levels and identification of discrepancies.

Training and education programs for employees promote awareness of loss prevention strategies and empower them to recognize suspicious behaviours and adhere to proper cash handling procedures. 

Deploying a modern video surveillance system and leveraging advanced analytics capabilities can help identify patterns, detect suspicious activities, and trigger real-time alerts.

Advancements in AI and facial recognition are driving innovation in the video surveillance industry.   

Collaborating with local law enforcement agencies and industry organizations enhances response capabilities and fosters a safer retail community.

Implementing clear return and refund policies, coupled with technology-based deterrents, can prevent fraudulent returns and abuse of the system. 

While all of they above measures play a crucial role in loss prevention, physical uniformed security guards remain the most effective deterrent against shoplifting.

The presence of trained security personnel not only deters potential thieves but also provides a sense of security for both employees and customers. 

This article was written by Samuel de Lange from Guardhouse, the all-in-one workforce management platform for physical security companies.

Guardhouse has been purpose built around the needs of physical security companies. To find out how Guardhouse can help you achieve more, in less time, visit guardhousehq.co.uk.  

This article was originally published in the September Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.