Industry: Retail
Client type: A national beauty retailer operating multiple high-footfall stores
The challenge:
The client operates in the beauty sector, with stores located in busy shopping centres and city centre areas across the UK. Several stores were experiencing high levels of external theft, resulting not only in financial loss but also a serious impact on staff morale. Regular confrontations with prolific offenders were leaving teams feeling stressed, unsafe and worn down.
The client had previously trialled uniformed officers, which helped in the short term. However, as soon as the officer left, the problem quickly returned. They needed a longer-lasting, targeted solution – one that would reduce theft, support staff wellbeing and tackle persistent offending across multiple locations.
Our solution:
Plain clothed store detectives
We deployed highly trained, plain clothed detectives who blended naturally into the store environment. Their focus was on identifying and monitoring known offenders, gathering intelligence and intervening when required.
Close liaison with the client and police
A core part of the project involved building an evidence base against repeat offenders. Our teams worked closely with store managers and police partners to document historical activity, share intelligence and support ongoing investigations.
Flexible, short-term project deployment
Detectives were assigned to each location for 6 to 12 weeks. This short-term but intensive approach created a strong deterrent effect that continued after the project ended. The model can be repeated as needed if new patterns of theft emerge.
The results
Our detectives carried out targeted work across multiple stores, focusing on identifying prolific offenders and reducing ongoing theft issues.
Offenders were identified, monitored and detained across several locations
Multiple individuals were arrested, with cases progressing through the criminal justice system
Where arrests were not pursued, increased scrutiny led offenders to move away from the area
Staff experienced fewer confrontations, improving confidence and wellbeing
This short-term, targeted model delivered long-lasting impact, significantly reducing theft and restoring a safer, more positive environment for store teams.
