The retail sector continues to operate with an evolving security threat profile. Increases in violence and abuse towards frontline workers, combined with losses through shoplifting and petty crime mean security remains firmly in focus of the modern retailer.
According to the British Retail Consortium Crime Survey Report 2022, retail crime cost the industry £1.5 billion in 2020/21, with a staggering 1,301 incidents of violent or abusive incidents every day.
Increasing and evolving threats
Brendan Musgrove is Managing Director of retail security specialist, TSS (Total Security Services). He outlines how the sector should respond in the face of the increasing and evolving threats, and how the company’s acquisition by G4S is allowing it to expand its service to retailers.
The modern retail security officer should operate proactively and work smarter
The skills of the traditional retail security officer need to evolve. Gone are the days where retail security could operate on a reactive basis. In order to respond to the worrying trends, the modern retail security officer should operate proactively and work smarter, using collaboration technologies and body worn surveillance. Given the increase in frontline violence, de-escalation of aggravated situations has become a strong focus.
Identifying repeat offenders
What’s more, the officer needs to be supported by an intelligence function that is continuously reviewing crime trends, identifying repeat offenders, and sharing information proactively to support the frontline officers in the delivery of their role.
In addition, current retail security is about much more than the high street. As the explosion of e-commerce continued through the pandemic, security in the supply chain has risen in importance, with distribution centers and theft of goods in transit a focus. Consequently, any security provision should make equal consideration to both the supply chain and the high street.
Retail security experience
TSS has historically delivered frontline security to a number of the UK’s high street retailers
TSS has historically delivered frontline security to a number of the UK’s high street retailers. Its acquisition by G4S Secure Solutions UK, an Allied Universal company, means it is able to evolve its services to further support customers
The new entity combines TSS frontline retail security experience, G4S varied product portfolio and broad national and international coverage, making it an ideal combination for any retail organization looking to address its evolving threat profile. TSS is excited about what the acquisition means for the customers. They are already evolving the product portfolio and look forward to providing a more intelligent approach to frontline security services. They are developing their intelligence offering ‘Crime hub,’ working in close collaboration with the customers.
Retail security challenges
The G4S product portfolio also provides great opportunities for the customers. They can now support retail outlets with the provision of canine security in particularly high-risk areas, provide a nationwide mobile incident response for callouts at unsocial times, and even supply AI drive surveillance technology - their offering to the retail store has expanded greatly.
What’s more, they are now able to provide fully integrated security into the supply chain - from surveillance and monitoring of the distribution center to the tracking and monitoring of goods in transit. Finally, TSS customers will have access to the G4S Academy, which provides best-in-class networking, information sharing, and thought leadership to those with security responsibilities. These are exciting times for TSS, the customers, and anyone looking to address their retail security challenges.