Poundland has declared a bold new stance against the rising tide of retail crime with its “Against Retail Crime” initiative, launched across its 800 UK stores. The initiative addresses a growing concern over shoplifting and the abuse and harassment faced by retail workers.
Major Investments in Security
The discount retailer has committed to substantial security enhancements. Staff will now be equipped with communication headsets for swift coordination during incidents. Following a successful trial, Motorola Solutions VT100 body cameras will be rolled out to stores most affected by crime. These devices serve as a visual deterrent to offenders and provide critical video evidence during incidents.
Preliminary results from the trials are promising, with the retailer reporting an 11% decrease in violence against staff and a noticeable reduction in theft. Christina Jesty, Poundland’s head of loss prevention, highlighted the dual benefit of protecting staff and preserving the company’s value-driven pricing model.
Tougher Measures on Offenders
Poundland is empowering its contracted security teams to detain suspected offenders, backed by increased support from undercover security guards in. The company is also forging stronger ties with local enforcement agencies and police forces in protecting shop workers and its business. This includes sharing CCTV footage and body cameras to aid prosecutions and receiving assistance from undercover officers.
Jesty explained:
“The rate of store theft and worker abuse has accelerated significantly across our stores in the last 18 months, and this has been very challenging for our people. Whether it’s store theft undermining all our colleagues’ hard work, or incidents of violence and abuse making our colleagues feel unsafe at work, something must change.”
Context of the Crisis
Poundland’s actions come amid alarming findings from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Their latest Crime Survey reveals that UK shop workers face an average of 1,300 incidents of violence and abuse daily — a staggering 50% increase compared to the previous year.
The campaign sends a strong message: “Enough is enough.” With its robust measures, Poundland aims to protect its front-line workers and create a safer shopping environment for customers.
The Workers Union Says…
“The Workers Union applauds Poundland’s superb commitment to safeguarding its staff and customers. As incidents of retail crime rise, we stand firmly with efforts to foster safer workplaces for all.”
