SBN works with retail shops, outlets and centres to create safer spaces through:
Criminal intelligence and insights
Assessing risks and consulting on risk management
Training and upskilling staff
Working in partnership with organisations within local communities to reduce crime
Get in touch to find out how we could use our resources to help reduce theft, violence and abuse in your retail space.
Types of Retail Crime and Impact
Retail crime is a serious issue for communities everywhere, as not only does it threaten profits but undermines the safety of retail workers and shoppers.
Criminal Shoplifting and Theft
Shoplifting is the theft of goods from retail stores. Losses as a result of customer theft amounted to £2 billion between September 2023 and August 2024, an increase of 11% on the preceding period. Many of these incidents were linked to organised crime – with gangs systematically targeting retail stores across the country.
This has led to retailers investing in increased security measures, such as CCTV and security systems, with total prevention costs rising to £1.8B in costs in 2023/24. However, security systems have not proven effective as a standalone process to reduce theft and crime.
Violence and Abuse Against Retail Workers
Retail workers are experiencing 2,000 incidents of violence or abuse per day, this has significantly increased from 1,300 incidents per day in the preceding year. Reports from retailers demonstrated:
124 violent incidents per day
70 incidents involving a weapon per day
A study conducted by the Retail Trust found that nearly half of retail workers surveyed, feared for their safety and that growing numbers of retail staff considered leaving their jobs and/or the industry due to fears of violence or abuse. This is creating a workplace crisis in which the wellbeing of staff is not being protected.
Anti-Social Behaviour
Anti-social behaviour is also on the rise in retail stores, with 22023-24 figures showing over 3,000 occurrences of anti-social behaviour per day. This can range from verbal abuse to staff or customers to criminal damage and vandalism.
This not only impacts the wellbeing of staff but also discourages customers from shopping, impacting recruitment and revenue.
How SBN Can Improve Safety for Retailers
Our work spans a number of projects from our local BCRPs to the Shopkind Campaign, in addition, our crime intelligence service helps provide governing bodies with the data and insights needed to tackle crime at a national level.
We also work with a number of organisations within local communities to encourage cross-partnership and information sharing that will help prevent crime in real-time. As well as, working with the police to implement prevention and banning orders that will have a positive impact on retail safety going forward.
Safer Business Network are already supporting over 20,000 businesses across London, over 70% reported feeling safer since partnering with us.
Why Wait?
Be Part of the Solution Today
Become a Member – Starting at just £400 per year, gain access to crime prevention resources, intelligence briefings, and dedicated support to protect your business and community.
Book a Training Session – Equip your staff with industry-leading training, including WAVE & Ask for Angela, conflict management, and security awareness.
Partner with Us – If you represent a Business Improvement District (BID), corporate organisation, or public sector agency, let’s collaborate to develop tailored safety solutions for your community.
Stay Informed – Subscribe to our updates and insights to keep ahead of the latest crime trends, safety initiatives, and partnership opportunities.
Together, we can create safer spaces, protect livelihoods, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Our Services
At Safer Business Network, we provide a comprehensive range of services designed to reduce crime,
enhance safety, and support businesses and communities. Our work is structured around six core pillars:
What Can Retailers Do to Deter Theft and Crime?
A multi-faceted approach is needed to help combat retail crime across London, that not only addresses security factors but utilising local businesses and organisations more effectively in the prevention of crime.
Some steps to fight retail crime include:
The implementation of CCTV to capture crimes and record evidence that can be used to prosecute and gain legal orders that help protect your business and staff
Trained security personnel to help deter criminal behaviour and promote the wellbeing of staff and shoppers
Staff training with the goal of spotting suspicious behaviour and improving internal processes to prevent crimes and protect staff and members of the public
Work in partnership with local authorities, police and local businesses to share real-time information, offender profiles and build a map of criminal behaviour and hotspots to improve the utilisation of security measures
Contact us
Please fill in the contact form below and we will respond as soon as possible, alternatively email info@saferbusiness.org.uk