Retail crime prevention and how body-worn cameras can help

Retail crime statistics paint an alarming picture

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reports that over 2,000 incidents involving violence or abuse occur in retail stores daily. Overall, this represents a rise of 50 percent in a single year. 

Theft is on the rise too, with shoplifting costing retailers £2.2 billion or more a year with daily incidents topping the 55,000 mark. 

In response, retailers are enhancing security measures and adopting technology to support their employees, ensuring they feel safer on the shop floor. Apart from CCTV cameras to get an overview of what’s occurring at ground level in-store, they’re equipping staff members with body-worn cameras.  

Why customers are lashing out at retailers

The rising cost of goods amid inflation leaves many customers feeling financially stretched, leading some to take out their frustrations on staff or resort to stealing. But there’s more to the rise in retail crime than meets the eye. The Guardian reports that organised crime gangs are targeting retailers on a large scale. 

Their methods are sophisticated. According to a BBC report, groups of three “work” stores, using bluetooth headsets to communicate with one another. They aren’t stealing staple foods – instead, they target high-end goods like expensive champagne. One of the gang members keeps store security distracted while the others make off with their stolen goods – often quite openly. 

Security advice from police

The police have weighed in on the matter, suggesting adherence to its ten crime prevention principles. These include:

Target hardening

Making it more difficult to steal big-ticket items may deter thieves from targeting your store. Police suggest security tagging, locked display cases, and security tethers that attach expensive items like consumer electronics items to display tables and shelves. 

Target removal

Keeping high-cost items behind counters, displaying dummy items, and keeping costly items away from store exits are suggested as ways to deter crime. This does mean that clients will need more in-person service, but it could ultimately result in savings thanks to theft deterrence.

Removing the means of theft 

Police suggest bag and basket checks, and the simple practice of taping closed shopping bags customers carry on entrance. Look out for foil-lined bags that can render product security tags ineffective. 

Good access control

In certain stores, meeting and greeting customers as they enter will please honest clients and may deter dishonest ones. Direct in-store traffic with access control that allows for one-way traffic – all customers must pass a till point before leaving the store. 

Surveillance

Besides using CCTV, design your store layout so that there are always lines of sight between customers and staff. Train staff to spot the signs of suspicious activity. Friendly and helpful staff are appreciated by real customers, and their attention to customers may deter shoplifters who would prefer to remain unnoticed. 

Police recommend body-worn cameras as a means of addressing violence against staff. Metropolitan police say they’ve noticed a marked reduction in crime when retailers equip their staff with these devices. 

You can look beyond your store too. Keep your retail neighbourhood friendly and collaborative. Shopkeepers can support each other in the fight against retail crime. 

Keep things neat, well-maintained, and clutter-free

Neglected entrances, poor lighting, and clutter send a message to would-be shoplifters. They will assume that you and your staff don’t have time to focus on details, and clutter and poor lighting offer opportunities to remain unseen. 

Setting rules for customers and staff 

Signage stating that body-worn cameras and CCTV records shoppers, and assertive statements regarding prosecution of offenders can act as a deterrent. Develop policies to reduce staff vulnerability. For example, limit lone work, and develop strategies to protect staff at vulnerable moments such as closing time. 

Train staff on how to deal with tense or suspicious-looking situations involving customers and ensure they have high visibility throughout the store. In clothing stores, fitting room attendants can monitor the number of items brought into and out.  

Get involved with community crime prevention and welfare

Communities can work together to prevent crime. For example, programs for at-risk youth and opportunities for substance dependence rehabilitation are worthy of support. Your retail store may be the ultimate beneficiary. 

Body worn cameras: Police-recommended and user-proven

Your staff are key in the fight against retail crime – but they may also find themselves in dangerous situations. Body-worn cameras not only record interactions but can also be used to call for help. The new Motorola V200, for example, offers live support whereby a VMS or Alarm Receiving Centre is instantly notified when a camera is activated for recording, enabling immediate assistance during a crisis. They’ll be especially important for lone workers, but all your customer-facing staff can benefit. Enhancing their confidence in challenging situations.

The main advantage of body-worn cameras is that they record events from the wearer’s perspective. This includes audio recordings that will help you or the police to hear what was said. Providing an unbiased record of interactions, promoting transparency.

Simply saying that you have active body-worn cameras may deter abusive customers. For example, aggressive customers cannot claim that they were provoked by staff members, and they know that police can use the recording as evidence for a prosecution. 

As businesses continue to confront an ever increasing crime wave, body-worn cameras are becoming a common sight in retail stores. Employees feel safer, even when they are on their own, and criminals fear the detailed evidence these devices can gather. 

Radiocoms: Supporting businesses and keeping employees safe at work

Radiocoms is a UK-based company specialising in mission-critical communications. Our client portfolio includes first responders, healthcare workers, and industrial concerns. Increasingly, retailers are turning to us for body-worn cameras to help with retail crime prevention. Coordinate your efforts. Gather evidence. Deter criminals. Contact us today and let’s join forces to reduce retail crime in the UK. 

Read more about retail.