2 weeks Ago By David Richards
12 months ago, the Australian retail industry was so concerned about retail crime that the Australian Retailers Association called a symposium to discuss how best to control the problem, now the industry that got slammed for installing security cameras linked with facial recognition software has gone quiet on the issue of store theft. A Bunnings executive who did not want to be named said “Theft is still a major problem in stores, we are not talking about it as much”. Overseas CE retailers such as Curry’s the UK’s largest CE and appliance retailer are taking a proactive approach to their theft problems by investing in technology with the introduction of new security measures across its retail network with some retailers telling ChannelNews that they are interested in the whether the Curry’s program actually brings down crime rates.
The Curry’s initiatives include upgraded public display monitors in high-risk stores, enhanced product security, intelligence collection, and increased spending on security personnel and surveillance. Previously retailers in Australia claimed that theft rates have surged in major Australian states, with an over 23% increase in 2024.Threatening behaviour by shoppers has also risen, with reports of such incidents increasing to 17% of all security reports logged by Australian store staff in, up from 10% three years prior.
One of the Curry’s initiatives is the introduction of new generation headsets for floor staff, following a successful trial. It said the headsets improve communication between staff, enhancing safety and customer experience by allowing colleagues to respond quickly to assistance requests when they become suspicious of an individual or a group working as a team. In the UK retail crime has reached record levels, with over 2,000 incidents occurring daily in UK shops, according to the British Retail Consortium.
While Currys has supported recent legislative changes making assaulting a retail worker a standalone crime, it emphasised that enforcement and policing remain critical to tackling the issue. The business is also trialling crime reporting software in partnership with Auror, which aims to improve the accuracy of incident reporting and track repeat offenders. The platform, currently being tested in two regions, is expected to be rolled out nationwide in early May.
Investment is also being made in product security, including new laptop display clamps to deter theft while maintaining an interactive shopping experience. It said the clamps have already been tested and have significantly reduced aggressive theft incidents ahead of a wider rollout next week. Currys chief operating officer Lindsay Haselhurst said: “UK retail crime statistics make for difficult reading, as incidents of shoplifting and aggression against retail workers continue to climb.
These are not victimless crimes; the worst cases leave colleagues and customers injured and traumatised. “That’s why I’m really pleased to roll out a number of new programmes to increase colleague and product security in our stores and welcome the new Crime and Policing Bill legislation. However, we know there is much more to be done, and this must be a collaborative effort with all involved, including local police forces and Government.
” Currys UK stores director Matthew Speight added: “I’ve been out and about in stores seeing these new measures in action, hearing first hand from colleagues how much they’re helping. I hope that alongside showcasing our new safety features, Currys’ Safety Week will give colleagues an additional forum to openly share their concerns and ideas with us.”.
