Shoplifting poses a significant challenge to businesses, and Burnley, with a crime rate of 140.7 per 1,000 residents, experiences a higher rate of crime than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Coupled with a safety score of 69/100, which is below the UK average of 79, it's clear that proactive measures are essential for Burnley businesses.
So, what can be done? Prevention isn't about eliminating risk entirely, but mitigating it. Here's a breakdown of effective strategies:
- Visible Deterrents: CCTV cameras are a powerful deterrent. Their presence, and clear signage indicating their use, can discourage potential thieves. Ensure cameras are strategically placed to cover high-risk areas like entrances, exits, and displays of valuable items.
- Staff Training: Train staff to be observant and aware of their surroundings. This includes recognising suspicious behaviour, such as someone loitering excessively or acting nervously. Empowering staff to politely but firmly challenge potential thieves can be effective. Training should also cover loss prevention policies and procedures.
- Loss Prevention Policies: Develop and enforce clear policies regarding stock control, inventory management, and returns. Regularly reconcile stock levels to identify discrepancies early. Consider implementing security tags and alarms on high-value items.
- Store Layout & Display: Optimize store layout to improve visibility. Avoid creating blind spots where shoplifters can operate unnoticed. Keep high-value items near the checkout or within staff view. Consider using display cases or security mirrors to enhance visibility.
- Security Personnel: Depending on the size and nature of the business, employing security personnel can be a worthwhile investment. Their presence can deter potential thieves and provide a rapid response to incidents.
- Collaboration: Connect with other businesses in Burnley to share information about shoplifting trends and tactics. This collaborative approach can help businesses stay ahead of evolving threats.
It’s important to remember that shoplifting is a persistent problem, and strategies need to be regularly reviewed and updated to remain effective. The higher crime rate and lower safety score in Burnley compared to the UK average underscore the importance of robust preventative measures.