Increasing threat of violence and crime a key concern for retailers

Violence towards staff and employees is one of the most pressing concerns for a third of retailers, new research from NFU Mutual has revealed. Data from the commercial insurer showed that 34% of those surveyed said the ongoing issue of retail crime means they fear violence as well as staff assault in the shops they work in.

When asked about their biggest security worries in the industry, almost half of retailers (45%) said it was the wellbeing of staff and customers, while four in 10 highlighted an increase in thefts. Worryingly, over 10% even said they fear being unable to continue operating as a business.

A possible boost to retailers, though, comes in a government pledge to tackle retail crime made in the King’s Speech. A new Crime and Policing Bill will “create a new specific offence of assaulting a shopworker” and “introduce stronger measures to tackle low level shoplifting.”

Retailers will hope that any new legislation brought forward can help revitalise the UK high street, with almost a quarter surveyed (23%) believing that crime and violence is playing its part in the decline of bricks and mortar shopping, and 27% saying the issue is forcing more custom online and away from the in-person experience.

Rebecca Richards, commercial insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Our retailers are such a key part of the local communities they serve and it’s vital they feel safe and protected – and that the ongoing issue of crime in the industry is tackled. NFU Mutual’s research shows the worries and concerns the sector faces on a daily basis, with two-thirds (65%) of them believing the main cause of retail crime is down to the cost-of-living and recent inflation.

“Retailers will be hoping the new government, as stated in the manifesto pledge, will clamp down on crime in the industry – something our research identified with four in 10 saying they believe crime is high due to inadequate punishments for those caught. Worryingly, one in four believe offenders commit crime purely for the sheer thrill and addiction – so it is really important business owners take as many steps as possible to try and prevent this, while feeling secure and safe should they be targeted.”

NFU Mutual’s advice for retailers to protect against shoplifting:

• Use customer service as a tool to deter thieves – greeting them lets them know they have been acknowledged and may deter them as they have been identified
• Make sure store layouts are organised and tidy, placing high-value or items which are more desirable for thieves in monitorable areas. Consider adding mirrors to the store to reduce blind spots
• If possible, limit the number of high value items on display and secure remaining stock within a robust, lockable area
• Train staff to recognise shoplifting tactics and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe from the risk of violence
• Consider displaying signage in-store notifying thieves that they will be prosecuted.
• Try to minimise cash takings and use counter caches to deposit cash during opening hours. Install a good quality compliant safe which is fixed in place and preferably kept in an alarm protected area.

NFU Mutual’s advice for retailers to protect against break-ins:

• Ensure all doors and windows have good quality locks (to BS3621) which cannot be opened from the outside or from the inside without the use of a key
• Always keep keys to doors, windows, and safes, in a secure location. Always remove them from your premises outside of business hours and limit their distribution amongst managers or staff.
• Consider investing in good shutters, grilles and bars on doors and windows.
• If investing in an intruder alarm, ensure it is installed by a NSI or SSAIB approved company, compliant to EN1350-1 and provides remote signalling to an alarm receiving centre
• If investing in surveillance (CCTV) ensure it provides good quality images, is recorded to the cloud with links to mobiles and/or remote monitoring, and meets requirements of GDPR
• Be aware of cyber threats and make sure you have cyber insurance in place should the worst happen
• Consider hiring data protection specialists to provide ongoing security of your data
• Have a robust policy in place for responding to intruder alarm activations – i.e. don’t let a keyholder turn up on their own.