Humberside Police - protecting communities, targeting criminals

business crime prevention advice

Crime reduction advice for retail businesses

  • Think about the locations of your stock. Is the most valuable stock close to the door/exit? If it is, perhaps to attract custom, make sure it is secure.
  • Avoid placing spirits or high value goods in the shop window, this can be an irresistible invitation for opportunists to ‘smash and grab’.
  • Be helpful to your customers. ‘Can I help you?’ shows people in your shop that you care, but also that you are vigilant. Who knows it may even lead to a sale.
  • Do not have any goods stored outside your premises that can be easily stolen or used by criminals to climb on to gain entry or use as a means of escape.
  • Be vigilant. Shoplifters often work in teams and while one is distracting the staff others could be taking stock or opening the till.
  • Ensure your CCTV system complies with the Data Protection Act and regularly check the quality of the images collected.
  • Position cameras towards the door/counter and high value goods.
  • Lock away employees’ personal items in a locker or locked room.
  • Always be vigilant when opening or closing the store. It’s common for criminals to force staff into the shop and get them to open the safe or tills.
  • Leave the till drawer open when the shop is closed. If you are burgled it’s much more cost effective to replace the float than a new till.
  • Always carefully check details on credit cards. Be suspicious if the person looks nervous and is making purchases of items close to the credit limit.
  • Always remember to switch on the alarm when locking up.
  • If you have CCTV make sure it is recording 24 hours a day.
  • Keep the back door locked. Thieves often enter store rooms and remove stock while staff are on the shop floor.
  • Check all bank notes – you would be surprised how many are counterfeit.
  • Keep a list of useful telephone numbers next to the phone, to include Humberside Police, Store Manager or Supervisor and a glazing company.
  • Keep high value goods on top shelves, close to the counter where staff can see them.

Don’t put yourself or others at risk
If someone tries to commit a robbery or theft - do not try to stop them. They are often desperate and dangerous people and many carry weapons.

Physical Security - general advice for businesses (see attachment)