What systems do YOU have in place to reduce the likelihood of crime happening – for example shoplifting and/or violence against staff?
Things you can consider that may help protect your business, yourself, and your staff include such matters for consideration as:
CCTV – must be appropriate and fit for your purpose (one size does not fit all).
Staff training in how to respond to customers (staff safety is paramount and they are key to your defence against shoplifters) and use the practical tools made available e.g., appropriately placed mirrors, radios, who and how to contact for assistance.
Display empty containers or boxes with the expensive item secured elsewhere.
There is much to consider but we hope the guidance available via the below link for retailers on preventing shoplifting will assist:
Shoplifting and robbery | Devon and Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)
The actual reporting of a theft follows a process to maximise the opportunity for an effective investigation and is vitally important. The crime recording process follows logical steps to fully understand the nature of the problem that exists.
It is IMPORTANT to report all crime including violence against retail staff which is not acceptable.
You can report crimes direct to Devon and Cornwall Police ‘online’ via this link or by emailing [email protected]:
https://services.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crimereporting/
The welfare of staff is important, and employers have a duty of care and responsibility for their employee’s. Staff that are cared for are more likely to be more productive and loyal. The below link provides guidance for consideration and can be viewed for free.
For ‘lone workers’ and ‘personal safety’ guidance the Suzy Lamplugh Trust charity provides excellent guidance listed under different subject categories such as travelling for work, working alone and safety for estate agents which can be found Here https://www.suzylamplugh.org/
The Devon and Cornwall Police website has more crime prevention guidance and can be found here:
