24/7 Roller Shutter Repair Specialists Covering London & Kent
If you've been following the news lately, you might have heard about an "epidemic" of retail crime over the last few years. It might sound dramatic, but it's a very real issue - shop thefts have more than doubled in the past three years, costing retailers around £953 million annually. There's also been a noticeable spike in violence and abuse against store employees. So, why is this happening, and what can we do about it? Well, that's what we're here to discuss today.
At Quay Facilities, we design and install high-security grilles and roller shutter doors to protect businesses across the South. Below, we'll explore the reasons behind the recent increase in retail crime, the positive steps being taken to address it, and what you can do personally to keep your business secure.
The recent spike in retail crime has been attributed to two main factors: the ongoing cost of living crisis and a reduction in policing.
Many poverty campaigners argue that the surge is driven by desperation, as rising living costs leave more people struggling to make ends meet. Some resort to theft as a means of getting by, resulting in a noticeable uptick in shoplifting rates. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics supports this, revealing that over 43% of adults in Great Britain reported spending more than usual on essential items in the past two weeks during their food shopping, underscoring the impact of high prices.
On the other hand, retail experts suggest that organised criminal gangs are taking advantage of the reduced police presence. The Co-op retail chain, for instance, notes that even when its staff apprehend shoplifters, police respond to only 20% of incidents. A recent Freedom of Information request from the chain indicates that some police forces fail to respond to almost nine out of 10 serious incidents.
Whatever the underlying reasons, it's clear that retail crime has reached levels unprecedented in recent years. Urgent measures are needed to protect businesses and their employees from the adverse impacts of this surge.
In October 2023, Policing Minister Chris Philp gathered with senior police leaders and representatives from 13 major UK retailers to introduce the Retail Crime Action Plan, dubbed "Project Pegasus." This collaborative effort includes a commitment from the police to quickly respond to instances of shoplifting involving violence against shop workers, situations where security personnel have apprehended an offender, or cases requiring immediate attention to secure evidence.
The police have also reaffirmed their dedication to investigating any evidence leading to the apprehension of a perpetrator. Law enforcement agencies will increase patrols in areas significantly affected by shoplifting, while analysts and intelligence officers will gather and analyse data on shoplifting incidents from various retailers.
The initiative aims to tackle the growing issue of shoplifting, catch more offenders, and keep retail workers safe. Before the positive impacts of this initiative become clear, however, it's important to take precautions to safeguard your own business premises.
Luckily, there are plenty of options for protecting your premises against theft and vandalism. Security cameras and alarms are two fantastic choices - not only do they discourage potential wrongdoers, but also help gather evidence in case of an incident.
However, keep in mind that these are mostly deterrents and won't do much to stop someone from actively breaking in. For that, you need something to act as a sturdy physical barrier that stops intruders in their tracks - and roller shutters and security grilles fit the bill perfectly.
Shutters and grilles can physically stop intruders, reducing the need for nighttime security personnel and letting you focus your time and resources on daytime security. They'll also save you money in reduced insurance premiums, improve insulation, and put your mind at ease - a win on every front!
At Quay Facilities, we're proud to install the strongest and most secure roller shutters and security grilles on the market. Built with premium steel and a robust design, our products guarantee complete protection against even the most determined intruder. Our skilled technicians, backed by extensive training and expertise, will also guarantee a flawless installation to provide you with total peace of mind.
Our services cover all of London, Kent, and the surrounding areas. If you'd like to learn more, why not get a quote online or call us on 0208 2266 247? We're happy to share more about our services and answer any questions you might have, so don't hesitate to get in touch today!
