Supermarkets are now, and have been for decades, the most popular place for families to shop for groceries.
But UK supermarkets don’t just sell bread and milk, and now stock everything from fashion to high-end electricals and gifts, especially in the run-up to gifting seasons, like Valentine’s Day or Christmas – making them a real target for thieves.
For this reason, retail security is now an essential part of supermarket strategies – a factor that looks set to continue long into 2024.
Why are supermarkets being targeted by thieves?
According to data from personal finance experts CouponBirds, a staggering £800 million was stolen in 2023, as two in five Brits admit to uplifting goods from the retail giants.
But why is there such an upturn in theft in the UK?
As with all things, there remains a criminal contingent that targets supermarkets thanks to ease of access, but disappointingly, the vast majority of theft seems to be now committed by ordinary folks.
According to 71% of those who admitted to uplifting, the cost-of-living crisis was the main reason they had turned to theft.
The most popular items stolen, included:
- Loose fresh fruit and vegetables
- Baby essentials, including formula or nappies
- Hygiene products, including soaps and feminine hygiene goods
How can retail security keep supermarkets secure?
No matter the reason for stealing, retail security must keep supermarkets secure and protect the staff, shoppers, and stock found inside.
Especially as retail crime is also on the rise – with store workers now facing unprecedented levels of violence, including being ‘slapped, punched, and threatened with a range of weapons, including knives, hammers, firearms, and hypodermic needles,’ according to Iceland chairman Richard Walker.
So, how can retail security help to keep such hotbeds for crime secure?
1. Patrol the store more regularly
The majority of theft carried out by ordinary people is completed because they feel they have the opportunity.
In this instance, patrols serve as an effective deterrent, putting people off from stealing and stopping it from occurring in the first place.
Patrolling also makes retail security more accessible for members of the public who report would-be criminals who are acting suspiciously – another way that theft can be minimised.
2. Monitor CCTV
Monitored CCTV is also a highly effective way to reduce instances of theft and capture evidence for prosecution and identification.
Retail security teams can work together to supervise live feeds while also communicating with floor security teams who can then either patrol or intervene in the relevant areas.
CCTV is also excellent for shops that wish to identify returning criminals and contact the police for prosecution, as it allows for clear, reliable, non-refutable evidence to be viewed by all parties.
To read more about the benefits of CCTV, explore our blog.
3. Apprehend customers and compile reports
With powers of arrest included as part of their job role, retail security can also safely detain criminals who have been caught stealing while they wait for the police to attend and take over.
Another key part of retail security work is the filling out of reports and paperwork, which provides valuable evidence for emergency services. This is relevant in criminal situations but also to assist if people are injured or assaulted.
This action also allows stock to be recovered once photographed, saving the shop from potential losses.
Find high-quality retail security for your supermarket with T-Class
All retail security from T-Class is SIA-approved and trained in a wide range of duties, from CCTV monitoring and filling in reports to intervening in emergencies.
This allows them to stop instances of shoplifting before offenders can leave the store – reducing the loss of stock and retail shrinkage as well as keeping your staff and shoppers safe from anti-social and threatening behaviour, too.
For a bespoke retail security service package, be that for one location or twenty stores, reach out to the experts today. You can give us a call at 0203 794 8182 or email us at info@t-class.co.uk and our experienced team will be in touch to see how they can help.
