Poundland is launching its new ‘Against Retail Crime’ initiative this week, making its “largest-ever investment into anti-theft technology and security” to address the growing issues of shop theft, abuse, and harassment faced by its employees.
The value retailer is significantly enhancing its security infrastructure, including the introduction of anti-theft technology and communication headsets for its staff across its 800-plus stores. These measures are designed to help deter shoplifting and enable employees to respond swiftly and safely when incidents occur.
As part of the initiative, Poundland is allowing its contracted security teams to detain suspected offenders in-store and ensuring local police pursue prosecution for every case of retail crime.
The retailer is also working closely with local enforcement agencies, providing support from undercover officers and sharing CCTV footage to assist with prosecutions.
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Poundland’s strategy includes the deployment of more undercover guards to its stores and a clear message to potential thieves: they will be caught, reported, and prosecuted.
The discounter’s tough stance has already resulted in successful outcomes, including the conviction of a prolific shoplifter in Gloucestershire who was charged with burglary and trespassing, receiving an 18-month custodial sentence.
In a move to further enhance store security, Poundland will also be rolling out Motorola Solutions’ VT100 body cameras to stores with the highest levels of crime, following a successful trial.
The cameras, which offer a visual deterrent and record incidents, have contributed to an 11% reduction in violence against employees, as well as a decrease in theft and shoplifting. Currently, over 300 Poundland stores have access to body cameras, including those used by security guards.
The British Retail Consortium’s latest Crime Survey reported a sharp rise in incidents of violence and abuse against UK shop workers, with an average of 1,300 cases reported daily—a 50% increase compared to the previous year.
Poundland said that “as a high-street focused and value-led retailer”, it has “been a particular target of theft and abuse” – which is why the retailer is making the investment.
Poundland head of loss prevention Christina Jesty said: “The rate of store theft and colleague 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.
“At Poundland we pride ourselves on being a value-led high street retailer, where protecting our colleagues goes hand in hand with protecting our prices. That is why we’re saying enough is enough and beginning a campaign to support our front-line teams and crack down on retail crime across our stores.”
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