Combatting Retail Crime: CSS’s Commitment to a Safer Retail Sector

Connelly Security Systems (CSS) attended the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) Crime and Wellbeing Seminar at Hampden Park on Thursday 14th March 2024.

We offered valuable insights and advice on the latest electronic security products to visitors of our stand. This event was an excellent opportunity for CSS to engage with retailers and discuss how enhanced security measures can benefit the retail sector.

The seminar comes at a crucial time, as the SGF released their Crime Report & Safer Business Guide 2023/24, revealing alarming statistics on the escalating impact of retail crime in Scotland. The report paints a stark picture, with findings indicating a significant rise in the average cost of retail crime per store, soaring to an average of £12,164 per store in the past year.

The figures, based on data from 763 stores surveyed by the SGF, translate to an approximate annual cost of £62.9 million across Scotland’s 5,171 convenience stores. This substantial financial burden is crippling the retail sector, prompting urgent calls for action from the government.

According to the report:

• Shoplifting Surge: 100% of convenience retailers agree that shoplifting has increased, with almost all stating it’s now a daily occurrence.
• Violence Against Staff: More than nine out of every ten stores report weekly occurrences of violence against staff, with hate crimes occurring monthly.
• Incidents of Abuse: More than half of respondents report daily incidents of abuse when refusing a sale or asking for proof of age.

These troubling trends underscore the urgent need for action to address retail crime. However, the report also highlights a concerning decline in confidence in the Scottish Justice System’s ability to tackle the issue. Over two-thirds of respondents expressed reluctance to report shoplifting incidents to the police, citing a lack of faith in the system’s responsiveness.

SGF Chief Executive, Dr. Pete Cheema OBE, expressed grave concern over the escalating nature of these crimes, ranging from machete and knife attacks to organised crime. He emphasised the toll these incidents take on retailers’ physical health and wellbeing, as well as the trauma carried home to families and local communities.

In response to these challenges, CSS remains committed to providing advanced security solutions to help businesses combat retail crime. The company’s attendance at the SGF seminar reflects our dedication to supporting the retail sector with tailored security measures.

CSS’s involvement in installing Sensormatic dual pedestal systems, designed to deter shoplifting, is a testament to our proactive approach. We understand the importance of addressing the specific needs of retailers, such as reducing false alarms and enhancing security without compromising customer experience.

CSS CEO Paul Connelly echoed the sentiment, stating, “Our mission is clear: to equip retailers with the tools they need to protect their businesses and staff. CSS is dedicated to providing innovative security solutions that adapt to evolving threats”.

He continued, “Through strategic partnerships and investments, we aim to create a safer retail environment for all”.

The SGF Crime Report & Safer Business Guide 2023/24 offers valuable resources and insights for retailers, including case studies from Retailers Against Crime and guidance on conflict management, in-store security measures and cybercrime prevention.

CSS stands as one of Scotland’s most trusted companies in the fight against retail crime, offering tailored security solutions and unwavering support for the sector’s safety and success. As the industry faces unprecedented challenges, CSS remains at the forefront, dedicated to securing a safer future for retailers across Scotland.

CSS stands as one of Scotland’s most trusted companies in the fight against retail crime, offering tailored security solutions and unwavering support for the sector’s safety and success. As the industry faces unprecedented challenges, CSS remains at the forefront, dedicated to securing a safer future for retailers across Scotland.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us at the event. We hope we provided you with some useful information and please get in touch if you would like more details about Sensormatic retail merchandise tagging, AI CCTV, DisMist fog systems and our other commercial and retail security solutions.

We are always actively looking at ways to support our customers and have arranged a meeting with Retailers Against Crime who work with Police Scotland to co-ordinate and share local information on crime and the individuals involved. In addition, the Don’t Put Up With It campaign, led by the SGF, urges retailers and customers to report offences and to thank our community stores for all their hard work.