Operation Vulture is Lancashire Constabulary’s new response to shoplifting across the county, which will see dedicated officers undertaking hotspot patrolling, increasing their visibility in targeted areas and creating strong partnerships with retailers to “better share intelligence, get a deeper understanding of retail crime and identify more offenders,” it says.
In its new advice which has just published online, the force adds that understanding the risks around retail crime is key. It says knowing aspects of your business - such as your top targeted items, the most vulnerable stock and the most common times of day for thieves to strike - are all key.
The advice goes on to mention the different types of theft stores may encounter. These include:
- Distracting staff in order to steal.
- Price swapping - changing price tags to pay less.
- Accidental stealing - stealing goods but claiming it was an accident.
- Fake returns - thieves select an item in store and take it to the returns desk claiming they’ve lost the receipt.
- Hiding merchandise in prams, in clothing, handbags or packaging of cheaper goods.
- Items will be hidden within bags, with metal lined bags often preventing exit tagging alarm systems.
- Staff and thieves working together to steal.
Training can also make sure your staff know the signs of shoplifting and the methods used. “Ensuring that your staff have a clear understanding of what to do in the event of a shoplifter can also help keep them safe, protect your business and can increase the chances of the shoplifter being caught,” the constabulary says.
Methods Lancashire Constabulary advises you can implement to deter shoplifters
- Customer greeters: By greeting genuine shoppers, not only does this provide a positive impression of your store, it also deters potential shoplifters. An offender is less likely to shoplift if they sense that they are to be seen and noticed by staff.
- Security staff: Consider employing full time security or part time security during the vulnerable times of the day/week.
- Disruption techniques: If an individual is displaying odd or suspicious behaviour, employees should be encouraged to approach and offer assistance.Other disruption tactics include tidying/rearranging stocks and aisles nearby.
- Signage: Make it clear that shoplifting will not be tolerated and incidents will be reported to the police.
- Install CCTV: CCTV covering entrances and exits are prime places for capturing images of people entering and leaving the store. Additionally, CCTV should cover high value and known targeted stock.
- Working in partnership: If available in your area, why not consider joining a local retail crime initiative such as the Business Improvement District, Shopwatch or the Business Crime Reduction Partnership. If you’[re part of a scheme you can and join its retail radio link, share CCTV and work with the police and other stores to deter shoplifters.
- Electronic article surveillance tags (EAS): Consider attaching EAS tags to high value and known targeted stock. These tags are known to be a deterrent for potential shoplifters.
- Store layout: Store layout can be designed to prevent blind spots and can be a contributing factor to reducing shoplifting.
The new advice adds that if you have seen someone take goods without paying for them, politely ask them to replace items in a calm and neutral tone, ideally with another member of staff. Always be sure they’ve taken something before you speak to them – and only if you feel it’s safe to do so.
As always, once you are sure they are a shoplifter, report them to the police on 101 or online. If they are using or threatening violence, or the crime is in progress, call 999 immediately.
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