- More than two thirds of retailers tighten security in last 12 months, NFU Mutual research shows
- Physical security employed full-time by almost a third of shops as crime continues to blight high streets
- Panic alarms and self-defence training other security methods taken by many retailers
industry, with nearly eight in 10 retailers (79 per cent) having suffered from crime within the last 12 months alone*.
It’s clearly a problem weighing heavily on the mind of retailers as more than two-thirds of those surveyed (67 per cent) said they have taken security measures to try and protect themselves and their employees from theft and violence over the last year.
Of those who have taken safety precautions, CCTV is by far the most popular with two thirds saying they have installed cameras on site. Four in every 10 retailers say they now place security tags on items while almost a third have employed full-time physical security in a bid to try and stop the issue.
With the threat of violence and abuse seemingly on the rise, some retailers (27 per cent) have taken to training staff on safety and self-defence, with a quarter of those surveyed installing panic alarms for added protection. Almost one in 10 have also decided to limit the number of shoppers entering the store at any one time.
“Retailers are faced with continued challenges and our research shows the extreme measures many are being forced to take to protect themselves from crime,” said Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual.
“For many small retailers this is their livelihood and criminals striking at the heart of that extends way beyond a cost perspective with many living in fear of repeat offences and negatively impacting mental health.
“While this issue continues to be a scourge on the industry, it is good to see the majority of retailers surveyed say they have taken security measures – and we would urge the 33 per cent of those who haven’t yet, to do so if possible to help feel as protected and supported as you can.”
As technology advances, retailers are turning to bodycams as a way to deter thieves. Almost half of those surveyed (45 per cent) said they have bodycams in their store, while just shy of one in 20 (three per cent) retailers have all members of staff wearing them while working.
The average spend on bodycams – from retailers surveyed – came out at £1,750, with 16 per cent admitting to spending more than £5,000 on the technology.
Zoe added: “Theft and criminality are sadly commonplace and regular occurrences for our retailers and we would always urge businesses to protect themselves where possible – through physical and technological methods – and ensure cover is in place so they are secure should the worst happen.
“Our research shows a rising number of people using bodycams as a way of doing this and the data highlights many have taken to implementing them widely across stores and on a large percentage of staff members – with almost one in 20 having them on all staff. It is a warning and can act as a deterrent in the face of criminal activity.”
