A police force has told shop owners to hire greeters to say “hello” to customers to stop thieves.
Lancashire Constabulary have issued the advice after incidents of shoplifting have skyrocketed to record highs across Britain.
Lancashire Constabulary have issued the advice after incidents of shoplifting have skyrocketed to record highs
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LANCASHIRE CONSTABULARY
As part of a strategy to tackle retail crime, labelled Operation Vulture, Lancashire police force urged more businesses to hire “customer greeters” to speak to shoppers when they walk through the door.
The advice was featured in digital guide for retailers, called “How to Deter a Shoplifter”.
Written by the police force, it said: “By greeting genuine shoppers, not only does this provide a positive impression of your store, it also deters potential shoplifters. An offender is less likely to shoplift if they sense that they are to be seen and noticed by staff.”
Retails were also advised to hire extra security staff to be visible during the most “vulnerable” times.
The advice was featured in digital guide for retailers, called ‘How to Deter a Shoplifter’ (file photo)
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GETTYOther recommendations included putting up warning signs saying that thieves would be reported and staff asking any suspicious customers if they required any help.
Lancashire police force also offered signs that shop owners should look out for to detect someone who may be stealing from their shelves.
They said: vice on how to spot a shoplifter, Lancashire police added: “A shoplifter is not always creeping round like in the movies.
“They can sometimes be trying to keep a low profile, and avoiding attention. They might look anxious or flushed, looking around the shop constantly to see if they are being watched.”
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“Their clothing might also give them away.
“For example, if they are wearing heavy, baggy clothing in warm weather this might indicate they are using this baggy clothing to hide stolen items.
“Always be sure they’ve taken something before you speak to them – and only if you feel it’s safe to do so”.
Retailers were also advised to speak to thieves in a “calm and neutral tone” if they spot anyone stealing goods.
Retails were also advised to hire extra security staff to be visible during the most “vulnerable” times
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YOUTUBE
It comes just a week after a Welsh shopkeeper was told by a police to take down a sign which labelled shoplifters as “scumbags” because it may cause offence.
The note put up by Wrexham resident Rob Davies read: “Due to scumbags shoplifting, please ask for assistance to open cabinets.”
Mr Davies said: “Shoplifting is pretty much decriminalised, so I took it into my own hands.”
He added he felt let down by the police and was astounded “that the powers that be do nothing”.
