Lancashire Police have issued guidance for shop owners to greet customers promptly upon entry as a strategy to deter shoplifting. This recommendation is based on the “three-to-five second rule,” which posits that potential shoplifters assess the ease of theft based on how quickly they are acknowledged by staff. The police state that engaging with genuine customers not only enhances the store’s atmosphere but may also discourage those intending to steal.
Recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal a significant increase in shoplifting incidents, with 530,643 reported offences in the year leading up to March, marking a 20% rise from the previous year. The British Retailers Association has emphasized that this surge indicates escalating retail theft, which has reportedly reached its highest level in two decades. The financial impact of theft on retailers and customers is estimated at £2.2 billion annually, leading to increased incidents of violence and abuse towards staff.
In an online resource titled “Securing your shop from shoplifters,” Lancashire Police detail strategies as part of Operation Vulture, which aims to address shoplifting. The guidelines suggest that if a thief perceives they have been noticed, they may be more likely to leave the store. However, caution is advised, as confronting shoplifters could potentially provoke an aggressive response. Employees are instructed to maintain a safe distance, offer assistance if needed, and alert a manager or security if they feel uneasy.
Moreover, the police highlighted that shops with only one staff member are more frequently targeted, urging retailers to ensure adequate staffing and training on identifying shoplifters. Operation Vulture also includes increased visibility through hotspot patrols and collaboration with retailers to address and understand retail crime.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yp3543z7yo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss