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With two-thirds of retailers taking steps to protect themselves from theft and violence, NFU Mutual examines how the sector can successfully tackle shoplifting
Retailers across the UK are having to bolster security measures in a bid to combat the ongoing crime epidemic within the sector.
New research from commercial insurer NFU Mutual highlights a growing issue in the industry, with nearly eight out of 10 retailers (79%) having suffered from crime within the last 12 months alone.
It’s a problem weighing heavily on the mind of retailers, as more than two-thirds of those surveyed (67%) said they have taken security measures to try to protect themselves and their employees from theft and violence over the last year.
Of those who have taken safety precautions, CCTV is by far the most popular, with two-thirds saying they have installed cameras on-site. Four out of 10 retailers said they put security tags on items, while almost a third have employed full-time security personnel in a bid to stop the issue.
Almost half of those surveyed said they have bodycams in their stores
With the threat of violence and abuse seemingly on the rise, some retailers (27%) have taken to training staff in self-defence, with a quarter of those surveyed installing panic alarms for added protection. Almost one in 10 have also decided to limit the number of shoppers entering the store at a time.
As technology advances, retailers are turning to bodycams as a way to deter thieves.
Almost half of those surveyed (45%) said they have bodycams in their stores, while just shy of one in 20 retailers (3%) have all members of staff wearing them.
The average spend on bodycams came out at £1,750, with 16% of retailers saying they spent more than £5,000 on the technology.
As retailers continue to face challenges associated with crime, NFU Mutual’s research shows the extreme measures many are being forced to take to protect their businesses.
To help retailers tackle shoplifting, there are six key pieces of advice:
- Use customer service as a tool to deter thieves – greeting them lets them know they have been acknowledged and may deter them as they have been identified.
- Make sure store layouts are organised and tidy, placing high-value items or items that are more desirable to thieves in monitorable areas. Consider adding mirrors to reduce blind spots.
- If possible, limit the number of high-value items on display and secure remaining stock in a robust, lockable area.
- Train staff to recognise shoplifting tactics and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe from the risk of violence.
- Consider displaying signage in-store notifying thieves that they will be prosecuted.
- Try to minimise cash takings and use counter caches to deposit cash during opening hours. Install a high-quality compliant safe that is fixed in place and preferably kept in an alarm-protected area.
To find out more about NFU Mutual’s insurance solutions for retailers, visit nfumutual.co.uk/insurance-for-retailers
