The surge in shoplifting incidents on middle-class high streets has prompted shopkeepers to take drastic security measures. With record-high levels of crime, estimated at 55,000 thefts per day last year, industry bodies criticize the lack of police action. Businesses are resorting to securing goods, installing panic buttons, and implementing a “locked door policy” for customer entry. High street managers now rely on WhatsApp groups to alert each other of repeat offenders and express frustration at their inability to stop bold thieves from stealing merchandise.
In response to the escalating crisis, some shop owners are being vigilant by avoiding hiring young staff due to safety concerns, resorting to keeping defensive tools like a baseball bat handy. Valuables are hidden or placed out of reach, while organized crime groups are capitalizing on the stolen goods by selling them online immediately after thefts. The British Retail Consortium reported a significant increase in stolen goods valued at £2.2 billion last year, with incidents of violence, abuse, and threats against staff rising to over 2,000 per day.
Official statistics indicate a 23% rise in reported shoplifting offenses in England and Wales, with detection rates plummeting. The abandoned Hampstead Police Station once served as a safeguard for local businesses, but its closure in 2013 symbolizes the challenges faced by shopkeepers in seeking justice for thefts. The underreporting of incidents reflects a lack of confidence in law enforcement’s ability to apprehend culprits.
The area is home to a variety of upscale retailers, gourmet food shops, and fashion boutiques, all vulnerable to the criminal activities of organized crime groups that are causing problems in the neighborhood.
Happy Returns, a high-quality independent toy store, has implemented a policy of locking its doors during business hours and only allowing entry to customers who ring the doorbell. Additionally, a panic button connected directly to the police has been installed under the counter, although it has not been necessary to use it thus far.
Manager Pleasure Neumann, 50, disclosed that the decision to lock the doors was made eight months ago after a thief stole three large Jellycat bears valued at £275 each on separate occasions. She acknowledged that this security measure has had a negative impact on customer traffic, noting, “Toy stores are supposed to be places of joy, but when people see the locked door, it definitely affects business.”
Borough Kitchen, a kitchenware store, has resorted to securing their pots and pans with sturdy plastic cables after a series of thefts, including several copper pans ranging from £300 to £600 in value.
Manager Marina Rodino expressed frustration at the thieves who brazenly steal items and resell them at significantly reduced prices, lamenting, “It infuriates me, knowing they devalue our goods and have no regard for the consequences.”
Some shopkeepers have attempted to confront thieves directly, despite the risks to their own safety. Employees at David Clulow, an optician’s shop, recounted incidents where thieves used a motorbike to break down the front door and make off with 220 pairs of glasses worth nearly £7,000. In response, the shop has hired a nighttime security guard to prevent further thefts.
Owner Dominique Cussen of Designs, a boutique for women, chased a thief who stole a £680 handbag but retreated upon realizing the potential danger. She highlighted the targeted nature of the thefts in affluent areas, expressing concern over the vulnerability of businesses in such locations.
The prevalence of organized shoplifting gangs from various regions targeting high-end retailers in Cornwall has prompted business owners to take drastic measures to combat the problem. Some are facing losses of up to £250,000 annually due to stolen goods.
Martin Gaunt, 62, owner of the Happy Piranha gift and collectibles shop, has resorted to making citizen’s arrests to detain shoplifters until the authorities arrive, resulting in a significant reduction in thefts. Despite the success of this approach, Gaunt believes that some thieves are opting for easier targets like large chain stores that absorb losses rather than risk confrontations.
Gaunt, who invests considerable time and effort into combating shoplifting, has considered hiring staff with security training or providing security training to existing employees. He emphasized the ongoing challenge of protecting his business and the need to adapt to the evolving tactics of criminals.
Children, there comes a point when you have to consider the greater risk. For me, the greater risk is doing nothing. Darryn Brookes and Garin Evans are Rangers, part of a privately-operated team that has been patrolling the city’s streets for the past 18 months. Armed with little more than radios and their experience in dealing with difficult situations, Truro rangers Darryn Brookes and Garin Evans play a crucial role in maintaining safety in the town. Mr. Brookes, with 20 years of experience in security and accreditation from the Security Industry Authority, emphasized their mission to support local businesses by confronting shoplifters who may turn violent or aggressive. They aim to step in where there is a lack of police presence, using words to de-escalate conflicts and treating individuals with empathy. Lordship Lane, a once bustling street now plagued by violent thefts, has pushed business owners like Daniela Chandler to take precautions such as avoiding hiring young staff due to safety concerns. The rise in theft incidents has led to innovative security measures, from displaying photos of ‘most wanted’ thieves to securing expensive items with locks. Despite the challenges, the staff remains diligent and resilient in addressing shoplifting incidents.
After escaping with six Carhartt caps valued at £40 each, the thief and a female accomplice engaged in a swift exchange before the goods were handed off to a getaway bike. In August 2023, Chiswick High Street in West London made headlines due to a surge in shoplifting incidents, prompting several shops to adopt “locked door policies.” Fast forward two years, the situation remains dire, with police data revealing a 25% increase in shoplifting offenses, rising from 255 to 315 cases annually. This averages to nearly one theft per day. To combat the rising thefts, some shops have resorted to securing designer items with wires, although thieves have countered by using cable cutters. A charity shop experiencing up to ten thefts daily expressed frustration over their non-confrontational policy, lamenting missing items from the shop floor. Meanwhile, other businesses like West London Pharmacy and Riccado Clothing have implemented locked door policies and additional security measures following significant thefts. The pharmacy’s decision was prompted by a man who swiftly stole around £1,000 worth of medicine shortly after opening, necessitating the introduction of a panic button and extra staff. At Riccado Clothing, staff recounted a harrowing experience where a gang of masked teenagers made off with up to £15,000 worth of merchandise, leading to the installation of a panic button for added security. Despite its quaint charm and bustling market, even the picturesque Somerset city has fallen victim to a shoplifting surge. While none of its traders have resorted to locked doors due to footfall concerns, business owners are relying on a blend of vigilance and community action, such as a security WhatsApp group encompassing nearly 200 traders. Shopkeepers like Rob Bevan from the Protec store and the manager of Forever England have ramped up security measures, including additional cameras and locked areas, to combat shoplifting incidents.
Rachel Tucker shared that her interior design store, Forever England, has been facing challenges such as vandalism by youngsters and threatening behavior. She recounted an incident where a group of youths entered the store and sprayed hand sanitizer on the soft furnishings, causing damage. One chair alone, valued at £400, was ruined in the process. In another troubling occurrence, two teenagers occupied a display bed in the store window and refused to leave for several hours, disrupting the business operations.
According to Tucker, dealing with such incidents involving unruly youths has been particularly challenging as they often resort to using offensive language and authorities like the police are sometimes unable to respond promptly due to their busy schedules. To enhance security measures, more surveillance cameras have been installed in the store to safeguard the staff and prevent further incidents from occurring.
Similarly, Whiting and Son, a longstanding electrical goods store established in 1936, has also faced its share of challenges. The third-generation owner, who preferred to remain anonymous to avoid potential targeting of the store, highlighted the presence of ten cameras and monitoring systems in the shop. Despite these technological advancements, combating vandalism and disruptive behavior has proven to be a daunting task for the store management.
Both establishments emphasize the importance of prioritizing security measures in their businesses to protect their assets and ensure the safety of their staff members. As part of their efforts to address these issues, they have taken proactive steps such as increasing surveillance and monitoring capabilities. Experience the best of British journalism by exploring The Telegraph with a complimentary one-month trial, offering access to award-winning content, exclusive app features, money-saving deals, and more.
