In the wake of recent disorder across the UK, some high-street retailers and businesses are grappling with unprecedented fear and uncertainty about the safety of their premises, staff and customers. 

In any high-street retail context, though, there is an argument to be made that this risk always exists. However, when the current climate suggests that there could be trouble afoot at any moment, hardworking business owners are left with no choice but to rethink and enhance their security processes.

This article aims to provide practical, effective solutions for high-street retailers to protect their businesses when times get unpredictable and turbulent.

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Why Are High-Street Retailers Concerned?

August 2024 has seen a highly concerning rise in civil unrest and demonstrations across the UK. What began as a response to a tragic incident in Southport quickly escalated into widespread riots in towns and cities across the country, largely fuelled by misinformation and exploited by racist rhetoric. 

Cities from Sunderland to Plymouth experienced varying degrees of disorder in the high streets and city centres. Attacks on businesses, particularly those perceived as connected to or run by immigrant or minority communities, became worryingly common. Disorder was so violent and hate-fuelled in places that many police constabularies had to deploy additional resources to manage and contain the chaos, and to ensure the safety of their communities.

It doesn’t help matters that, according to the 2024 BRC Crime Survey Report, retail violence has surged post-pandemic, with retailers’ losses totalling £1.8 billion.

For high-street retail businesses, this situation has unearthed a twofold challenge: protecting against opportunistic criminal acts during periods of unrest, and ensuring stability against potential ongoing threats of vandalism, theft, and robbery that the retail sector is no stranger to.

How Can Retailers Keep Their Premises Safer from Crime?

1. Reinforce the Premises Physically

The physical security of any high street business is – invariably – the first line of defence. Implementing reinforced steel security doors, shatter-resistant glass windows (with security shutters) and a combination of locks will be a solid first step. Strategically placing immovable precast concrete barriers to prevent vehicular attacks will also be a failsafe security measure. Consider also installing round-the-perimeter lighting to illuminate areas well and deter trespassers.

2. Deploy Enterprise-Grade Surveillance Systems

There is an array of modern technology solutions that can provide impactful real-time monitoring of a store which can, in turn, deter criminal activity.

Visible, high-quality CCTV systems act as a powerful deterrent while monitoring potential trespassers, with the obtained footage proving vital in criminal cases. Many solutions come with built-in remote monitoring capabilities for off-site surveillance, meaning that when premises are unoccupied, they can still be monitored. Alarms can sound and emergency services can be notified remotely, not just when personnel are on-site.

3. Invest in Smart Inventory Management

When retail stores get broken into, thieves and robbers will instinctively grab what they can in plain view. Store managers can invest in asset management technology that tracks and updates in real-time, to give them complete visibility into their inventory levels, not just in their stores but in local storage facilities too. Technologies ranging from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and receivers to Wi-Fi and GPS beacons can be deployed. Keeping high-value items safely stowed away in secure cabinets and safes will also be a strong deterrent. 

4. Train and Equip Staff More Effectively

While employee safety is – and should be – the number one concern for businesses, especially in times when they may be at increased risk, ensuring they are up to speed with various processes is crucial. Consider updating your response and evacuation procedures for when risk is high, and communicating them regularly to your staff in realistic scenario-based training drills. Training in various specialisms such as conflict resolution and hostile environments will go a long way in reinforcing their knowledge of how to keep themselves and their colleagues safe.

5. Build Connections With Your Local Business Community

While situations may evolve to the point where the police may have to get involved, the reassurance of a local business community supporting one another can be invaluable. Maintain open lines of communication with your neighbouring businesses, those in your close network, and community support officers, as well as the police. When times are difficult, the support and encouragement offered by fellow local business owners and the wider community can heal any wound.

The Importance of Proper Preparation

Retail businesses have enough day-to-day responsibilities where security often takes a back seat. Recent events have illustrated just how important being prepared for disturbances and disorder is.

Businesses should consider developing a comprehensive, robust emergency plan to identify potential risk factors which could expose them to vandalism, theft, and other types of violent activity on the high street. Creating detailed procedures for various disasters – not just civil unrest – will go a long way in showing that you have thought about and planned ahead for numerous incidents, no matter how unlikely they may be. 

Two of the most important investments a high-street business can make are sufficient business insurance and continuity planning. Check that your insurance covers damage incurred from riots, looting and business disruption, confirming that it meets your current business needs. Business continuity plans are there to ensure that your critical business data is secured and backed up off-site. This means that in the case of a temporary relocation or suspension of operations, while the store is being rebuilt, valuable data will not be lost. Fostering positive, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers will ensure that these temporary roadblocks are overcome more easily. 

Technology also plays a vital role in enhancing the security and safety of a retail outlet. Going cashless and deploying entirely electronic payment systems will eliminate the need for hard cash on-site, but if the store accepts card or cash payments, then automated cash handling systems can help. Keyless locks and internal doors with keycard access will also improve security inside the premises.

A Thorough Approach to High Street Safety

It’s no wonder why high-street businesses are on edge when reopening their stores following a turbulent week of disorder, violence, and vitriol. However, it’s important to remember that the challenges are not too great to overcome, and the sector itself is rife with controversies. Taking a proactive and considered approach to the security of your physical infrastructure, assets, customers and staff will ensure that even if the worst should happen, you are as protected as can be. 

Security should never be viewed as a tick-box exercise, nor should it be a temporary focus. The key is to keep it front of mind every day that a store’s doors are open, open lines of communication are maintained and the right reinforcements intact to dissuade and deter nefarious activity in all forms. This will give you the best possible chance of navigating evolving situations with greater confidence and keep your thriving high-street business operational.