RETAIL ENVIRONMENT
Restriction measures from lockdown could help curb crime
The legacy of the coronavirus may continue beyond the wholesale re-opening of society, with some retailers maintaining some of the in-store restrictions they implemented during the pandemic in an effort to reduce crime.
This is the view of some convenience retailers who have recognised the benefits the lockdown measures have had in controlling customer movement around stores and influencing positive behaviour.
The Co-op’s head of retail risk and safety, Jenny Alleyne, described the measures as a “great win from a crime perspective”.
“Everything works together,” she said.
“Controlling the number of people allowed into the store, as well as having a one-way flow system, reduces the number of blind spots and helps to reduce shoplifting.”
According to the Association of Convenience Stores' annual crime report launched last month, 65 per cent of respondents said their staff had experienced verbal threats specifically relating to COVID-19.
Reminding customers to wear face coverings was the most common cause of abuse, followed by reminding them to social distance; queuing outside; and removing face coverings for ID checks.
The introduction of Perspex screens as part of the first lockdown is one measure that may remain in many stores going forward.
Aman Uppal, owner of One Stop Mount Nod in Coventry, said he “will look into keeping it up after the pandemic”.
The ACS report also revealed 37 per cent of shop thieves are first time offenders, with 63 per cent repeating the act.
Overall, the convenience sector saw 1.1 million incidents of customer theft over the past year, costing each store on average £1,360, a drop of £310.
