Retail Safety Concerns: LPRC And Verkada Insights

Recent research by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) in collaboration with Verkada highlights concerning safety issues affecting retail workers.

The "State of Retail Safety" report reveals that over half (52%) of retail employees may leave their jobs in the next year, attributed predominantly to personal safety anxieties. The study showcases a rise in workplace violence over recent years and proposes strategies intended to safeguard both employees and consumers while minimizing conflict.

Increase in Workplace Safety Concerns

The report indicates a growing apprehension among retail workers about their safety on the job

The report indicates a growing apprehension among retail workers about their safety on the job. Currently, 35% of retail employees feel unsafe, a significant increase from 27% in 2024.

Instances of physical assaults have risen by 22% year-over-year, accompanied by a notable escalation in aggressive behavior from both former employees and current colleagues, which surged by 28% and 26%, respectively. Furthermore, nearly 40% of workers express concern about theft and verbal harassment during their workday.

Impact on Employee Retention

The retail sector, already grappling with high staff turnover, faces additional challenges due to safety concerns. One-quarter of retail workers, up from 19% the previous year, have contemplated seeking new employment owing to these worries. Among those who have experienced violence, 53% are contemplating a job change.

Notably, men are more inclined to leave their positions over safety issues compared to women (63% vs. 39%). Store managers have also remarked an increase to 49%, up from 37% in 2024, identifying safety concerns as a significant hindrance to hiring new staff.

Customer Frustration with Theft Prevention Measures

Security measures such as locked cabinets and checkout gates are perceived as weak by nearly half

Security measures such as locked cabinets and checkout gates are perceived as counterproductive by nearly half of retail workers, who feel these measures impede their efficiency.

This sentiment is echoed by 60% of U.S. adults who find these theft prevention tools disruptive to their shopping experience, with 74% stating certain measures deter them from shopping in-store.

Workers in stores implementing these measures report higher rates of violence, indicating that customer frustration with these barriers can provoke confrontations. A reported 54% of verbal threats originate from displeased customers.

Continued Efforts by LPRC

"Retail remains a critical cornerstone of the American economy, contributing $5.3 trillion annually to GDP and supporting more than one in four jobs," commented Read Hayes, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Loss Prevention Research Council.

Read adds, "Nothing is more important than protecting the frontline retail associates who power this economic engine, and this report builds on the LPRC's ongoing efforts to provide a roadmap for retailers on how to make sure these workers feel safe."

A Call to Action for Retailers

"Everyone deserves to feel safe, but our research shows that more than one in three retail workers has felt the opposite," stated Alana O'Grady Lauk, Vice President of Public Affairs at Verkada.

Alana adds, "With the busiest shopping season around the corner, millions of retail workers will experience increased foot traffic, longer hours, and rushed shoppers. This data gives retailers a clear roadmap to protect their teams when it matters most – and the urgency to act on it now."

Show full press release

More than half (52%) of retail workers say they are likely to leave their current job in the next 12 months due to personal safety concerns, according to new research conducted by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) and in partnership with Verkada.

The State of Retail Safety report reveals an alarming escalation in workplace violence from 2024, and offers critical insight into solutions that can protect retail workers, consumers and inventory without escalating tensions.

Key findings

Safety concerns on-the-job escalate, corresponding with material increase in reports of violence: More than one in three (35%) retail workers reported feeling unsafe at work, up from 27% in 2024. Reports of physical assault increased 22% year-over-year, while aggressive behavior from past employees and current coworkers jumped 28% and 26%, respectively. Nearly 40% of workers worry about theft and verbal harassment most or every time they go to work.
Violence threatens retention in an industry that already faces high turnover: One in four retail workers (25%) report they've thought about looking for a new job due to personal safety concerns, up from 19% last year. Those who experienced violent incidents are even more likely to leave: 53% say they have considered new opportunities. Men, who are experiencing workplace violence at notably higher rates than women, are also significantly more likely to quit over safety concerns in the next year (63% vs. 39% of women). Store managers are feeling the impact of this retention challenge: nearly half (49%) report that safety concerns are a barrier to hiring, up significantly from 37% in 2024.
Locked cabinets create friction on both sides of the counter: Nearly half (46%) of retail workers say physical theft prevention tools like locked cabinets and checkout gates are more disruptive than effective, and 59% report they reduce their efficiency on-the-job. Customers agree: 60% of U.S. adults say physical theft prevention tools are more disruptive to the shopping experience than they are effective at deterring crime, and 74% say certain theft-prevention measures make them less likely to shop in-store. Retail workers in stores with these measures in place report higher rates of violence across every category measured, revealing an uncomfortable reality: customer frustration from these barriers may be fueling confrontations, as retail workers report 54% of verbal threats stem from angry customers.

LPRC's ongoing efforts

"Retail remains a critical cornerstone of the American economy, contributing $5.3 trillion annually to GDP and supporting more than one in four jobs," said Read Hayes, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Loss Prevention Research Council.

"Nothing is more important than protecting the frontline retail associates who power this economic engine, and this report builds on the LPRC's ongoing efforts to provide a roadmap for retailers on how to make sure these workers feel safe."

Retailer's clear roadmap

"Everyone deserves to feel safe, but our research shows that more than one in three retail workers has felt the opposite," said Alana O'Grady Lauk, Vice President of Public Affairs at Verkada.

"With the busiest shopping season around the corner, millions of retail workers will experience increased foot traffic, longer hours, and rushed shoppers. This data gives retailers a clear roadmap to protect their teams when it matters most – and the urgency to act on it now."

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