Retailers take action against rising crime: NFU

MUTUAL shares its advice for retailers in a bid to

protect their livelihoods and staagainst rising crime
rates
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In the current climate, where the cost of living is soaring, crimes against shops and retailers has rocketed. In
researchconducted by commercial insurer NFU Mutual, just over 8 in 10 shopkeepers have experienced crime, and
over a quarter experienced violence against themselves, their staand even their customers in the last six months.
The new research reveals that over two-thirds of retailers think that crime has increased in 2023, with 19%
considering leaving physical retail due to the crime epidemic, and 15% contemplating leaving the retail sector
altogether.
To combat the rise in crime, just over 8 in 10 shopkeepers have had to take security measures to protect their
business. As a result, the high street is now commonly seeing the use of bodycams and panic alarms, with a quarter
of retailers security-tagging expensive products or more products than before.
Attacks on sta have also become a concern, with some shopkeepers going to the extreme measures of training
employees in self-defence and personal safety.
One in 10 shopkeepers have also had to keep doors locked to control crime.
Retailers are being urged to step up their security even more where possible and to implement precautionary
measures, to protect their livelihoods and help deter criminals.
NFU MUTUAL Risk Management Services Limited oers the following advice for retailers: 1. Use customer service as
a tool to deter thieves - greeting a potential criminal lets them know they have been acknowledged and will deter
them as they have been identied.
2. Keep the store tidy - make sure store layouts are organised and tidy, placing high-value items, or items which are
more desirable for thieves, in monitorable areas and in clear view.
3. Train sta to recognise shopliing tactics - for example, concealing items under coats or distracting shopkeepers -
and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe.
4. Keep high-value items safe - if possible, limit the number of high value items on display and secure remaining
stock within a robust, lockable store.
5. Consider signage - clear signage in-store notifying thieves they will be prosecuted may deter the criminal. 6.
Conduct regular stocktaking - keeping on top of your stock helps to identify which items are being targeted. 7.
Reduce blind spots - consider adding mirrors to the store to reduce any blind spots. 8. Install CCTV - if investing in
surveillance (CCTV) ensure it provides good quality images, that the recordings are stored onto the cloud, and that
the recording meets GDPR requirements.
9. Be cyber aware - understand the threats of cybercrime and make sure you have cyber insurance in place, should
the worst happen.
10. Protect your data - consider hiring data protection specialists to provide ongoing security of your and your
customers' data.
To nd out more about how NFU Mutual can support your retail business, visit nfumutual.co.uk/thegrocer or scan the
QR code below.

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DETAILS

Subject: Retail stores; Crime

Business indexing term: Subject: Retail stores

Publication title: Grocer; Crawley

First page: 12

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: Oct 14, 2023

Section: News

Publisher: NLA Media

Place of publication: Crawley

Country of publication: United Kingdom, Crawley

Publication subject: Food And Food Industries--Grocery Trade

ISSN: 00174351

Source type: Trade Journal

Language of publication: English

Document type: News

ProQuest document ID: 2876821581

Document URL: https://login.ezproxy.eit.ac.nz/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/trade-

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Copyright: Copyright © 2023 The Grocer, All Rights reserved.

Last updated: 2023-10-14

Database: ProQuest Central

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