Retail security that protects staff and stock

• Repeat theft, and the times it happens
• Abuse or threats towards staff
• Stock that is easy to take and resell
• Opening and closing times, when staff may be alone
• Evidence that the police can use

• An officer at the door or on the shop floor at the times that matter
• Clear instructions on what an officer will and will not do
• CCTV placed where it can identify people
• Key holding and alarm response, so that staff do not attend alarm calls alone
• Incident records written in a form that helps when you report to the police

We ask for your incident records first, if you have them. Cover at the wrong time of day costs money and changes little.

A visible officer should make staff feel supported and customers feel at ease. We agree in writing how an officer greets people, when they step in, and when they step back and call the police. Your staff are told who the officer is and how to ask for help.

Martyn's Law is expected to come into force in spring 2027. It covers shops and other listed premises where 200 or more people are expected at the same time, including staff. Premises with 200 to 799 people are in the standard tier, and need procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. Premises with 800 or more have further duties. The duty stays with the person who controls the premises. Read the SIA's guidance to see whether it applies to you.

Officers supplied under contract need a front line SIA licence, and we use only people who hold one. In-house retail staff usually do not, unless they work as door supervisors at licensed premises. Read the SIA's retail guidance.