Robust retail security
Accomplished security meets customer service. Our professional staff protect your people, spaces and assets – all while keeping your retail experience on-brand.
Retail security you can rely on
With growing levels of crime and violence, retail is facing big challenges. Alongside the obvious harm, this can damage staff morale – and your brand’s reputation.
Our teams provide a reassuring presence to your staff and customers alike. We ensure staff are prepared for threats with extensive, regular training. This enables an early and effective response to incidents.
The result? A reduced incident rate and lower risks to your people.
SIA-approved contractor, providing security across the UK
Security staff selected for their professionalism and presence
Intelligence-led security for the biggest impact
Looking for retail security support?
Get in touch to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help.
Challenges we’re seeing
Effective retail security is no longer simply about loss prevention. With higher levels of violence and crime – and tighter margins – retailers need a security solution fit for modern-day challenges.
We tackle this by selecting staff with the right presence for each location. Our experienced teams provide a strong visual deterrent against crime. If an incident arises, they’re trained to respond quickly and effectively.
1,300
Incidents of violence and crime against retail staff each day in 2022/23.
(British Retail Consortium Crime Report 2024).
32%
Year-on-year increase in shoplifting for the year to September 2023.
(British Retail Consortium Crime Survey 2023).
Bespoke security for retail businesses
From decades of experience, we’ve learnt to accurately assess and manage the unique risk profile of retail businesses. Every business is different – and our provision is designed to meet those specific needs. This starts with getting the right staff in place, and is followed by continuous improvement based on real-time data. Our thorough approach ensures a reliable provision to protect your business.
Recruitment
Recruitment is at the heart of our commitment to quality. We ensure staff have the skills, knowledge and attitude to succeed and deliver on your site.
TRAINING
We equip our teams for any eventuality with a mix of online and face-to-face training. This maximises interaction and increases their knowledge of ever-shifting threats.
DATA
Our integrated use of software supports high levels of reporting. We monitor and action reports in real-time, for quick escalations when required. This in-depth data helps us deliver on KPIs.
Management
Our strategic management visits add value every time. They help to enhance our team’s understanding of your business needs at each location.
Retail Security FAQs
Retail security is the protection of your store, staff, customers and stock through the use of trained officers and effective security measures. In practice, this means preventing shoplifting, tackling organised retail crime, managing antisocial behaviour and supporting staff during incidents.
The presence of retail security officers helps reduce shrinkage and protect valuable stock, but it also improves safety and confidence in-store. Customers feel reassured in a secure environment, staff can focus on serving shoppers and your business reputation is protected. This makes retail security an essential part of running a successful retail operation.
Day-to-day, our officers provide a visible deterrent to theft and antisocial behaviour. They support staff with incident management, carry out regular patrols and monitor customer activity in-store. They are also trained to respond calmly to situations as they arise, ensuring issues are dealt with quickly and professionally.
Cobac’s security officers act as a strong visible deterrent to shoplifters, making them less likely to target your store. They also use practical methods such as monitoring entrances and exits, supporting video surveillance coverage, carrying out floor patrols and reporting incidents in detail. These actions help to prevent both opportunistic theft and more organised attempts at stock loss.
By reducing shrinkage, retail security protects profit margins and allows you to maintain healthier stock levels. It also supports your staff, who may feel more confident and secure knowing trained officers are on-hand to deal with incidents if they arise. The combined effect is a safer store with fewer losses and a stronger bottom line.
Retail security officers are permitted to respond to shoplifting provided it is done safely and within the law. Like any member of the public, they can make a citizen’s arrest where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion, but their specialist training in conflict management and physical intervention means the risk of injury is far lower when handled by professionals. Our teams are trained to de-escalate situations quickly and proportionately, prioritising the safety of your staff and customers while following your preferred approach – whether that means early intervention, reporting incidents or recording evidence of a crime.
Our officers are also prepared for other emergencies that may arise in a retail setting. They can support with medical incidents, evacuations or lockdown procedures, helping to keep your site safe and secure in a wide range of situations. In recent years, threats and violence in retail have increased, and Cobac’s teams are trained to recognise early warning signs so they can diffuse incidents before they escalate. Where that isn’t possible, they have the skills to manage the situation effectively and professionally.
Retail security covers the overall presence of security staff or store detectives in-store: focusing on deterring crime, responding to incidents, collecting evidence and keeping staff and customers safe. It’s a wide-ranging service which provides reassurance and a protective environment on a day-to-day basis.
Loss prevention is a specific aspect of retail security that looks at reducing shrinkage through analysis, checks and investigation. This might include monitoring stock movements, identifying theft patterns and working with management to close gaps that allow losses to occur.
At Cobac, we bring these two elements together. Our retail security officers are trained to act as both a visible deterrent and a proactive part of loss prevention, giving your business the benefit of a complete approach to protecting stock and people.
Yes. All our officers hold the required SIA licence, and we provide additional training tailored to retail settings. This includes customer service, conflict management and a brand-specific induction so they understand your business and its culture. The result is a security presence that feels part of your team, not separate from it.
Our officers are trained to be approachable as well as authoritative. By positioning themselves in the right areas and engaging positively with customers, they provide reassurance without creating an intimidating atmosphere. This balance helps deter crime while ensuring your store remains welcoming to genuine customers.
Absolutely. In addition to their security responsibilities, our officers often provide a helpful point of contact for customers. This could be directing people to the right part of the store, assisting during emergencies or supporting your team on the shop floor. Their presence enhances both safety and service.
We know that unexpected gaps can occur, whether due to staff absence or sudden increases in footfall. Our ad-hoc cover service allows us to deploy licensed officers quickly, often the same day. Where possible, advance notice helps us plan a more stable and consistent staffing solution for the duration of your cover.
In most cases, yes. The most obvious benefit is a reduction in shrinkage and theft, which can quickly offset the cost of security staff. For retailers with high-value or fast-moving stock, even a small decrease in losses can represent a significant saving.
But the value goes much further. Security officers improve staff morale by providing support on the shop floor and reducing the pressure of dealing with difficult incidents alone. This creates a more positive working environment, helping you retain staff and reduce recruitment and training costs over time.
Retail security also enhances the customer experience. Shoppers are more likely to stay longer and return when they feel safe, and a secure environment encourages families and vulnerable customers to visit with confidence. The overall impact is not just stock protection, but a stronger, safer and more profitable retail business.
Have another question?
Get in touch with our team to find out more.
Data-driven security
Plenty of security companies say they use data – but we’ve integrated it as an essential part of our service. Our staff consistently achieve high levels of reporting, which we monitor and action. Combined with third-party local and national data, we use this information to adapt to emerging risks.
In a climate where every penny counts, our systems deliver real value to your business while keeping costs down.
Integrated frontline software as standard
Options for lone worker support and safety checks
Real-time monitoring and actioning of data feeds
Value-driven management support
Our management visits go far beyond the usual scope of information gathering. These strategic visits build on recent activity and continually improve the service you receive.
One point of contact
Our account managers are a crucial link between our clients and our operations team, functioning as a single point of contact. This simplifies communication from a client perspective, and ensures a cohesive service delivery across your estate.
Loyal, long-term teams
We work hard to find high quality security staff – and then we work hard to keep them. Our reputation as an employer of choice allows us to attract top-tier officers. We’re proud of our industry-leading retention rates, ensuring we develop experienced, loyal teams in the long run.
Find out how we can help
Contact us for a no-obligation discussion of your requirements.