Retail crime, unfortunately, is an issue that affects businesses of all sizes. From shoplifting and employee theft to organized retail crime, these incidents can have a significant impact on a retailer’s bottom line and the well-being of their staff.
We asked Connolly’s Spar Retailer Susan Connolly on her input on retail crime, having had a recent incident wherein her store had been broken into with the use of axes.
Susan states that, “It’s going to happen, but prevention is what matters. We had a case recently where a woman came in and stole £50 worth of laundry goods.
We posted it on Facebook and within 15 minutes, we’d been given names and her personal Facebook page- where she’d put up the goods for a raffle!”
After commenting on the shoplifter’s post in regards to returning the goods, Susan states, “She blocked me on Facebook, but rang up after and paid for the lot. Because of social media, I was able to get that issue resolved within 45 minutes.
I’m not saying don’t go to the police- definitely go to the police. But also, make use of being online.”
Much like Susan states above, by being proactive and implementing effective strategies, convenience retailers can create a safer environment for everyone involved.
In this article, we’ll explore various measures that retailers can take to safeguard against retail crime and ensure the security of their operations, in turn creating a safer environment for both their staff and customers.
As all retailers know, investing in robust physical security measures is crucial for deterring criminals and protecting convenience retailers and their staff.
Installing high-quality CCTV cameras throughout the store premises to monitor activities and identify potential threats or utilizing effective alarm systems that can alert store personnel and authorities in case of emergencies or suspicious activities.
Retailers can also help their employees in regards to retail crime by empowering them with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and respond to potential retail crime incidents is vital.
Conducting regular training sessions to educate staff on recognizing suspicious behaviour, identifying common theft techniques, and diffusing potentially volatile situations can be a way to not only help reassure the staff, but the retailers themselves, too.
In addition to this, encouraging open communication channels within the organization, allowing staff members to report concerns or incidents promptly and providing guidelines on how to handle difficult customers or potential perpetrators without compromising personal safety.
Retailers can also have a look at minimizing the risks associated with cash handling to significantly reduce the likelihood of retail crime incidents; such as implementing strict cash handling policies, including regular cash drops and limited cash on hand.
By utilizing secure cash management systems, such as cash drawers with limited access or cash recycling machines, the amount of cash involved is minimized, lowering the value of loss significantly. Business owners may also want to look at card transaction encouragement, once again lowering physical loss should a theft take place.
Installing panic buttons/emergency communication systems that directly connect to local authorities in case of emergencies- such as underneath the till in a secure and discreet area- can also be an option for retailers.
Of course, theft doesn’t always have to be armfuls of vapes and tobacco to be deemed worthy of noting.
Even locals within the community can swipe a few products, but if your store is anywhere near a student populated area, you might want to watch out.
Susan notes, “We’ve teamed up with the local school in case we catch any of the kids stealing. If we do, we alert them and the punishment is that they have to sweep outside the shop, and I think they get pulled up on it during assembly, too. Obviously, we give them a lift to school so they’re not late- but student theft has been significantly lower since we started doing this.”
We at C-Talk advise retailers to prioritise themselves and their staff’s wellbeing over any physical product or loss that you could possibly have. As Susan states when asked about tips for retailers struggling with the threat of retail crime, “My advice is… it’s going to happen.
But it’s prevention that stops it. Make sure cameras are clear when you aren’t there but if you are, run away. Let them take ikt. It’s just products, they can easily be replaced. I fear someone is going to get seriously hurt.
Let them take the products. In this industry, I know a lot of retailers that would set up a GoFundMe for stores that have been broken into. I know a retailer whose store was raided, and now she has shutters all from a GoFundMe page that had been donated to by her local community.”
To conclude, retail crime poses a significant challenge for physical business owners of all sizes, but by implementing a comprehensive approach that combines physical security measures, staff training and sufficient cash handling, retailers can rest easier knowing that there are certain procedures in place.
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