What’s the status of crime in retail?

Jan 20, 2025 | Retail Security Systems

In this blog we’ve reviewed the latest BRC crime report to understand what’s happening in the UK retail sector; here’s our findings and expert advice as a security system installer.

Crime within retail

Last year the top issues facing the retail industry were:

1. Impact of Violence and Abuse on Retail Workers

  • Retail workers faced 1,300 violent or abusive incidents daily (up from 870 the previous year).

  • A total of 475,000 incidents in 2022-23 (up from 316,000).

  • Included 41,000 violent incidents, equivalent to over 100 per day.

2. Cost of Crime to Retail Businesses

  • The overall cost of retail crime, including prevention measures, reached £3.3 billion, nearly double the previous year.

  • Losses from customer theft hit a record £1.8 billion (up from £950 million).

3. Police and Justice System Response

  • Incidents of customer theft surged to 16.7 million (up from 8 million).

  • 61% of retailers rated the police response as poor or very poor (up from 44% last year).

  • Only 8% of reported incidents of violence and abuse were prosecuted.

  • Only 36% of incidents of violence and abuse were reported to police by retailers.

4. Cost of Crime Prevention

  • Retailers spent £1.2 billion on crime prevention measures (up from £720 million).

How can you get security improved?

Security systems are an investment. But they are a worthwhile investment if you get it right.

Here’s our suggestions to secure your retail space whether you are running an entire centre, a chain of shops, or a small independent local shop:

1. Enhance Physical Security Measures

  • Install high-quality CCTV systems with real-time monitoring and facial recognition capabilities.

  • Ensure all entry and exit points are equipped with secure locks and alarms.

  • Use security gates, bollards, or shutters to deter after-hours break-ins.

  • Consider employing on-site security personnel during peak hours or high-risk periods.

2. Train Staff for Safety

  • Provide employees with conflict resolution training to handle aggressive or abusive customers.

  • Train staff on how to identify suspicious behaviour and escalate concerns to management or security.

  • Create clear procedures for reporting incidents of theft, violence, or abuse.

3. Implement Technological Solutions

  • Use electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems to prevent shoplifting.

  • Employ AI-powered analytics to monitor unusual behaviour patterns in-store.

  • Invest in cybersecurity tools to safeguard customer data and payment systems.

4. Strengthen Collaboration with you local police

  • Establish direct lines of communication with local police.

  • Join retail crime prevention networks to stay informed of regional threats and best practices.

  • Encourage reporting of all incidents, no matter how minor, to build a clear record of criminal activity.

5. Engage Customers and the Community

  • Foster a sense of shared responsibility for safety by promoting community awareness campaigns.

  • Use signage to remind customers of security measures in place and the consequences of criminal behavior.

  • Offer incentives for customers or community members who provide information leading to the recovery of stolen goods or the prevention of theft.

6. Review and Adapt Security Strategies Regularly

  • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in your retail space.

  • Analyse incident reports to track trends and adjust security measures accordingly.

  • Stay updated on emerging security technologies and integrate them into your systems where possible.

It’s key to get your VSS, CCTV or surveillance cameras absolutely spot on within your retail space whether that’s a small convenience store, a large supermarket, a retail outlet or shopping centre. JKE have worked with large management companies looking after retail outlets where stock has needed protecting (perimeter alarms on delivery areas and controlled access to entry gates) and small local shops where the shop owner is facing a battle with regular shoplifting. Don’t leave any blind spots is our main advice here.

With regards to panic alarms you should ensure you install them for your staff, especially where it is an all female shift and they could face violence; check the crime that’s been reported in your area to assess if this is happening and get alarms installed.

Yes security systems are a HUGE investment and there’s been reports of the likes of M&S spending huge money on security, both physical and systems. But it’s going to protect your staff, stock and premises to best effect.

JKE can support you with a retail security survey for the systems you are missing, or need upgrading, call us on 0800 2545645 or email support@jkesecurity.co.uk