Poundland announces its most ambitious security initiatives to date, named “Against Retail Crime,” against the rising tide of shoplifting and violence against staff.
This significant investment comes in response to reported losses exceeding 40 euros due to retail crime over the past year. It highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures within the company’s 800-plus stores across the UK.
The initiative has begun rolling out this week and includes a comprehensive upgrade of security infrastructure, incorporating advanced anti-theft technology and communication headsets for employees. These tools are designed to facilitate rapid communication among staff during incidents, enabling them to respond swiftly and safely to potential threats.
The Pundland’s 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 frontline teams and crack down on retail crime across our stores.”
The retailer is also collaborating closely with local law enforcement agencies, ensuring that every incident of retail crime is pursued with protection efforts. This includes sharing CCTV footage to support legal actions against offenders. Jesty emphasized that this initiative sends a clear message: “They will be caught, they will be reported, and they will be prosecuted.”
The initiative also involves deploying additional undercover guards in stores known for high crime rates. Poundland will introduce Motorola Solution’s VT100 body cameras in over 300 locations identified as having significant crime issues. These cameras not only serve as a deterrent but have also contributed to an 11% reduction in violence against staff and a notable decline in theft incidents.
Poundland’s commitment to tackling retail crime aligns with broader concerns within the retail sector. The British Retail Consortium’s latest survey indicates that UK shop workers are now facing approximately 1300 incidents of violence and abuse daily—a staggering increase of 50% from the previous year. As a value-led retailer often targeted by thieves, Poundland recognizes that protecting its employees is crucial for maintaining operational integrity and customer trust.
