{"id":1520,"date":"2025-05-01T13:28:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T13:28:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/shoplifting-independent-shops-tips-for-small-businesses\/"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:02:34","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:02:34","slug":"shoplifting-independent-shops-tips-for-small-businesses","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/shoplifting-independent-shops-tips-for-small-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Rise of shoplifting \u2013 how to protect your shop from thieves"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rise of shoplifting is impacting small business retailers on UK high streets and thieves show no sign of slowing down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There were 516,971 shoplifting offences reported to police in 2024, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ons.gov.uk\/peoplepopulationandcommunity\/crimeandjustice\/bulletins\/crimeinenglandandwales\/yearendingdecember2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">official statistics<\/a> for England and Wales \u2013 up 20 per cent from the previous year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cost of living pressures and organised gangs have been blamed for the shoplifting epidemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While many bigger retailers are able to spend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/poundland-launches-anti-shoplifting-measures\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"29209\" >thousands on anti-crime measures<\/a>&nbsp; \u2013 from body cameras to security tagging \u2013 it\u2019s a problem that affects shops of all sizes. And with rising costs continuing to plague the nation\u2019s small businesses, you may be wondering how to prevent and report shoplifting on a tight budget.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading for ideas on how to discourage shoplifters from targeting your small shop, and what the government is doing to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stricter-punishments-for-shoplifting-nbsp\">Stricter punishments for shoplifting?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New laws proposed by the government could see a crackdown on shoplifting and harsher punishments for offenders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/new-laws-to-crack-down-on-shoplifting\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"33370\" >Crime and Policing Bill<\/a> set out plans to target antisocial behaviour, retail crime, and theft earlier this year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sending the message that there are real consequences to stealing even small items from shops is just one way the government hopes to discourage criminals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it becomes law, the bill will also provide greater protection to shop workers who have been a victim of assault.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AI facial recognition&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some shop owners are already implementing facial recognition technology to detect theft, although this has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/technology-67022005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">met with resistance from some politicians and privacy campaigners<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cameras can analyse bags and detect items that haven\u2019t been scanned.\u00a0Here the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-england-surrey-66982326\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">BBC<\/a> reports how (and why) some small businesses are turning to using controversial facial recognition cameras in their shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-can-retailers-do-to-prevent-shoplifting\">What can retailers do to prevent shoplifting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try these eight tips to improve security in your shop and prevent theft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Know how to spot a shoplifter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the first things to prepare yourself and your employees for is how shoplifters are likely to behave. That way you\u2019ll be able to spot them more easily and hopefully be able to stop them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone is planning to shoplift from you, they may well display the following behaviours:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">attempting to avoid being noticed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">looking nervous, sweating, or becoming flushed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">picking up and putting back the same items repeatedly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">paying more attention to what\u2019s around them than the product in their hand or on the shelves in front of them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">wearing large coats, even in hot weather, or carrying large bags<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, this behaviour doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that someone is planning to steal from you, but they\u2019re signs worth looking out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all shoplifters leave without spending money. Some might take a few products to the till to avoid looking suspicious, while attempting to steal smaller items at the same time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Implement shoplifting policies and procedures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, even if they suspect someone of shoplifting, your employees may not know what to do about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure you have a comprehensive shoplifting policy and <a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/health-and-safety-risk-assessment-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"884\" >risk assessment<\/a> in place and that your employees are trained in how to implement it should they spot a shoplifter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Use customer service to your advantage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shoplifters will often get spooked if they know they\u2019ve been spotted, so you can leverage <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/what-is-good-customer-service\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"990\" >good customer service<\/a> to prevent theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Welcome people as soon as they come into your shop with a friendly \u2018hello\u2019. This lets them know that you\u2019ve seen them and a thief will be more likely to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A security guard or employee standing near the door to your shop can also be a deterrent for thieves.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Crime mapping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The police recommend shop owners try \u2018crime mapping\u2019 to keep a record of any thefts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This involves recording every detail, from the times and dates to the location in your shop, along with CCTV evidence. If you notice a particular area of your shop is regularly targeted by thieves then see if you can improve the layout or lighting to make it more visible to staff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Optimise your layout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you can change the layout of your shop, these techniques will make it harder for shoplifters to get away with your products:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">keep the shop tidy and uncluttered so it shows you\u2019re vigilant and your view across the shop isn\u2019t obstructed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">put your till nearer the door so customers have to pass you when leaving \u2013 and make sure never to leave it unlocked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">keep blind spots to a minimum, either by moving displays around or installing brighter lighting and convex mirrors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">consider installing lower displays so you can see customers over the top of them<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Identify at-risk items and take precautions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there are items you know are more likely to be stolen, either because you\u2019ve experienced it in the past or because they\u2019re more expensive, take particular care to make them a harder target for shoplifters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could place these items in locked display cases, if that\u2019s a viable option. Alternatively you could make sure their displays are near the till, or somewhere where a member of staff will always be able to keep an eye on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smaller and inexpensive items can also be attractive to shoplifters as they can be easily concealed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Complete regular stock takes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s hard to know if you\u2019ve been stolen from if you don\u2019t know what you had in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keeping up-to-date with your <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-do-a-stock-take\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1428\" >stock takes<\/a> and inventories will help you identify any theft, or even spot patterns if it happens regularly, and you can then make the necessary changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Tagging and CCTV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have the budget to introduce electronic tagging and security cameras then this can help deter thieves even more. An anti-theft tagging system allows you to tag products so an alarm will sound if someone walks out without paying.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read our guide to the <a href=\"\/knowledge\/tech\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"911\" >best security cameras for shops<\/a> for more information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do if you\u2019ve been a victim of theft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to let both the police and your insurer know if you\u2019ve had items stolen from your shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/shop-insurance\/\">Shop insurance<\/a> from Simply Business can cover you for theft, so if you don\u2019t have a policy already in place, then it may be time to start thinking about one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more about <a href=\"\/knowledge\/landlord-insurance\/what-is-theft-insurance-all-you-need-to-know\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"817\" >theft insurance for small businesses<\/a> in our guide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as keeping an eye out for shoplifters, it\u2019s important to remain vigilant when it comes to spotting scammers and fraudsters. This means confirming emails and phone calls are legitimate and being aware of common scams like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/paypal-scam-email\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"35640\" >fake PayPal invoices<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/hmrc-scam-email\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1400\" >tax rebates<\/a>, and failed delivery notices.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Latest news and guides for small businesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/store-closures-uk-high-street\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"30317\" >Store closures continue to hit UK high street<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/what-is-dead-stock-a-small-business-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"24737\" >What is dead stock? A small business guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-increase-footfall-in-a-retail-store-or-local-shop\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1000\" >How to increase footfall in your retail shop<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/shop-insurance\/\">What does shop insurance cover?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"allsetwithretailinsurance\">Looking for shop insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/insurance\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"470\" >business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more shops, trades, and retailers than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/shop-insurance\/\">shop insurance quote<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/shop\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Follow these tips to prevent shoplifting in your retail shop. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":26272,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[347,110],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[25],"class_list":["post-1520","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-retail","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Shoplifting on the rise: how to secure your retail shop<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Shoplifting is impacting small business retailers on our high streets. Find out how to make your shop more secure.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/shoplifting-independent-shops-tips-for-small-businesses\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Shoplifting at record high \u2013 how to tackle retail crime\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Read our top tips to help you improve security in your shop.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/shoplifting-independent-shops-tips-for-small-businesses\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-22T13:02:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/06\/retail-ecommerce.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1401\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"901\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Rise of shoplifting \u2013 how to protect your shop from thieves\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"Catriona Fuller\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/shoplifting-independent-shops-tips-for-small-businesses\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/shoplifting-independent-shops-tips-for-small-businesses\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Catriona Fuller\",\"description\":\"Catriona Fuller is a content and marketing professional with 12 years\u2019 experience across the financial services, higher education, and insurance sectors. 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