Retailers are being advised by law enforcement to proactively greet customers upon entering their establishments as a measure to deter shoplifting.
Lancashire Police have stated that potential shoplifters often gauge the vulnerability of a store by observing how quickly they are approached by staff, a tactic known as the “three-to-five second rule.”
“Greeting shoppers promptly not only creates a positive shopping environment but also serves as a deterrent to potential theft,” the police force noted in its guidance.
This advice is issued amidst concerns from retailers that theft is increasing at an alarming rate, reaching the highest levels in England and Wales since current records began two decades ago.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in July, there were 530,643 reported shoplifting incidents in the year leading up to March, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
Tom Ironside, Director at the British Retailers Association, commented that the ONS figures “validate what retailers have been expressing for some time – that retail theft is spiraling out of control.”
He further added that this surge in theft has led to increased violence and abuse towards retail staff, costing retailers and consumers an estimated £2.2 billion annually.
Lancashire Police’s advice was disseminated through an online guide titled “Securing your shop from shoplifters,” as part of Operation Vulture, an initiative aimed at curbing shoplifting.
“A potential thief is more likely to abandon their plans if they believe they have been noticed,” the guide states.
The guide also advises caution, acknowledging that “shoplifters may react aggressively when confronted.”
It recommends that staff maintain a safe distance, offer assistance or a shopping basket, and if feeling uneasy, discreetly alert a manager or security personnel.
The police force also cautioned that thieves often target stores with minimal staffing, “so ensure adequate staffing levels and comprehensive training for employees on how to identify potential shoplifters.”
Operation Vulture includes heightened patrols in high-risk areas, increased visibility, and collaborative efforts with retailers to better understand retail crime and identify offenders.
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