Although considered as a minor crime, shoplifting in the UK is a major concern for retailers. For many shoplifting is rarely about greed, poverty or necessity. One third of thefts are related to psychiatric disorder. A lot of theft and asset loss result in lost sales and profits.
Part of our security services is to carry out a free threat & risk assessment so we can advise our clients on the best security plan to put in place to secure their retail premises. The initial risk assessment can also help our clients stay compliant and keep their staff & customers safe by reducing the chances of an accident occurring in their workplace. More on Threat & Risk Assessment services...
Our store detectives can work as plain clothed security operative as part of your team or can operative actively in our company smart uniform. Their job is to work with the management and store manager to prevent and minimize theft from both: your customers and your own staff.
Our store detectives are always advised to recognize suspicious behaviour professionally and discretely and act in line with the company policies and procedures to maintain your business client base. They detain and deter shoplifters in line with ASCONE, which is an acronym for a six point unofficial checklist used by store detectives use when assessing and apprehending possible shoplifters:
So before stopping or approaching anybody for theft offense, store detectives should be able to tick all the above points.
Any contact made with suspect shoplifters should be conducted in courteous and discrete manner with the intent of avoiding any possible confrontation and disrupting services .
Any incident of theft, theft attempt or potential threat to security is recorded and reported to the local police authority. Recorded and maintained reports are used as potential evidence in case of subsequent prosecution.
With large volume of customers entering and exiting the store, only store detectives with a good retail experience can assess the risk posed by each individual and monitor each suspicious activity. Being part of store staff, a good store detective should have a good customer service skills.
It's important for store detectives to blend in with the customers and not to look like they are a member of staff. They have to be able to watch and observe potential suspects without watching. They should be able to spot signs of attempted theft and identify potential shoplifters based on behavioural indicators alone and not judge people by their colour, ethnicity and gender.
They have also to be fit enough to chase shoplifters, detain them, and recover stolen goods.
Our store detectives can also act as a security advisor to the store management. They have to check staff when leaving at the end the daily shift or leaving for breaks. Close relationship with the store staff is not encouraged as they have to search all members of staff, however this may make them unpopular among the store staff, but it will eventually reduce internal theft.
It's also very important for store detectives not to become complacent as thieves usually try their chances at any time. They have to be aware of morning or evening cleaners, delivery men, and any traffic in or out of the store.
All our store detectives are SIA licensed, vetted in compliance with BS7585 standards, trained in physical intervention & conflict management, and have a good experience within the retail sector. Vetting also includes enhanced criminal and financial record check. With our strict recruitment process, rest assured your retail business is in the safest hands. Most of our retail security guards know how to operate a CCTV surveillance system and track potential shoplifters throughout the store. More on manned guarding services...
If you are a looking for dependable and reactive security team to keep your merchandise on the shelves and keep opportunist thieves at bay, our security detectives have the expertise and knowledge to safeguard your inventory and provide a safe environment for your staff and customers. Any theft or suspicious activity will be handled professionally, efficiently and immediately, and with minimal impact on your retail business.
From small high street retail shops to large distribution centres and mega malls, Birmingham Security have the cost-effective and custom security solution for your retail business . We know how important it is to safeguard your stock, staff and customers; reduce your stock shrinkage; increase your return on investment(ROI); and keep your business running smoothly. We provide retail security services to:
We also provide construction sites security, property protection, gatehouse, reception & concierge, logistics & distribution security, industrial security, schools, colleges, universities and campuses security, healthcare security, security guarding, key holding, lock and unlock & mobile patrol and threat & risk assessment services.