Tips for Preventing Shoplifting

Are you a retailer? If so, you’re already painfully aware that thefts are at an all-time high.

According to the Office for National Statistics, shoplifting offences in Sussex have increased by a breathtaking 48% since June 2023. Organised crime groups are a big part of this statistic. They were collectively responsible for over £4 million in losses to retail businesses.

Sussex Police have recently arrested 93 members of organised crime gangs, which is impressive — but you’re still facing thefts on an almost daily basis. As one Brighton retailer recently put it:

“People steal things all the time.”

In this article we’ve put together some tips for preventing shoplifting — and it’s not just for retailers in Sussex. This is a guide for all shop owners who want to protect themselves from theft.

Who’s the thief?

Thieves fall into three main categories — opportunists, habitual shoplifters and organised crime groups (OCGs).

Most shoplifters are opportunists. Criminologists call them `swipers’ — people who don’t necessarily come into a shop with the intention to steal, but do so because of circumstances. Often, they want to buy an item, but realise it’s too expensive. When they’re unobserved, opportunist thieves feel they can get away with stealing it — just this once.

For habitual shoplifters, stealing is a lifestyle. It’s such a regular activity that they may not even view it as a crime. This type of thief often goes after specific merchandise, generally items which are easy to resell.

OCGs are efficient, methodical and ruthless. They carry out research in order to identify easy targets and then steal to order. Some use aggression and intimidation, others distract the staff while fellow gang members execute a `smash and grab’.

Now that we’ve described the perpetrators, it’s time to go through the various ways you can deter them.

Risk assessment

Your retail security strategy should always start with a professional risk assessment. Effectively, you get a security expert’s view of your retail premises, as seen from the perspective of a thief. It pinpoints hidden risks which may not be obvious to you as the shop owner.

A retail risk assessment looks at factors such as shop layout, blind spots, the location of particular goods, cash register procedures, CCTV positioning and camera technology, access controls, alarms and so on.

It’s one of the most effective ways to predict and mitigate risk. Think of it as a bright spotlight on all the areas where threats are likely to hide.

If you’d like to book a risk assessment, get in touch with our security team.

Organise the space

A disorganised, cluttered shop makes life easy for shoplifters. They can steal items without anyone noticing that they’ve gone missing.

To a potential thief, a well-organised, brightly lit environment with wide aisles and plenty of open space presents a disagreeable problem. There’s nowhere to hide and, if they try to steal, someone will notice. By organising the space, you send a message that staff are paying attention.

Monitor behaviour

Shoplifters are good at blending in with other shoppers. Unless you know what to look out for, they aren’t easy to spot.

Sussex Police have shared tips on how to spot a shoplifter, and what to do if you see a thief in action.

Tell-tale signs include watching staff rather than taking notice of the shop’s products, or picking up random items with little interest. Thieves don’t always work solo. They’ll try to keep your attention, talking for the sake of it while an accomplice steals something elsewhere.

Get smart with CCTV

CCTV is an essential tool for keeping an eye on all corners of your retail premises, not to mention a powerful deterrent. Thieves hate the prospect of being watched.

As a shop owner, it’s highly likely that you’ve already installed CCTV cameras — but how smart are they? Modern CCTV systems can be integrated with AI-driven video analytics, and this includes facial recognition.

If your premises are regularly targeted by OCGs or habitual shoplifters, it’s worth considering an upgrade. Cameras equipped with smart technology scan the faces of people entering the store. These images are then compared against a watchlist of suspects with a history of theft and, if there’s a match, your staff receive an instant alert.

Hire a trained security officer

If you’re experiencing frequent thefts, a highly visible manned guarding presence could provide the solution.

A trained security officer is a powerful deterrent to potential shoplifters, and an expert at dealing with perpetrators should a theft occur on the premises. They are trained to handle the situation calmly and professionally so that both staff and customers remain safe.

Plus, these highly trained individuals provide support and peace of mind. They can patrol the shop, monitor CCTV images and respond immediately to any suspicious behaviour or watchlist alerts.

Meet and greet

When picking a likely target, many shoplifters follow what’s known as a `3 to 5 second rule’. Their assessment is based on how long it takes for a member of staff to speak to them. The longer it takes, the easier it will be to steal something.

Thieves like anonymity. When staff demonstrate friendly and attentive service , it makes shoplifters feel uncomfortable. Again, it’s about sending a message that your staff are vigilant.

While we’re on the subject of meet and greet, this is an additional benefit of hiring a professional security officer. If you’ve read our article 8 common misconceptions about security officers, you’ll know that many are trained to work front-of-house as the first point of contact for customers. They are, in effect, part of your customer service team.

If you would like to discuss affordable options for securing your retail premises against shoplifters — including a risk assessment, SIA-licensed security staff or CCTV and alarms — please get in touch with the Classic Services team.