tackling shoplifters according to Kemi Badenoch

More back-of-the-envelope off the top of her head stuff. Sigh.

Can Badenoch guarantee a member of the public intervening won't be prosecuted for assault on the shoplifter? Thought not. Just another loud mouthed, political moron.

I wasn’t being completely serious about the return of store detectives, but I really think cameras are not solving the problem.

I was rather fond of the life size cut out policeman at the entrance to our local Poundstretcher. I bet he terrified a few shoplifters!😁

hollysteers those days of the “Store Detective”are long gone.

Only cameras provide evidence to secure convictions in most cases.
They are brazen and confident now.

No way should anyone whether staff or customer feel obliged to confront a shoplifter. It is not worth the risk of being injured for the sake of a few items.
The majority of shoppers are honest decent people.
More cameras inside and out is the only way I think.
Just like the fly-tippers, it is the only way to deter.

I’m reminded of a documentary I saw recently filmed in Selfridges in the 80s. Two very comfortable looking middle aged shop walking women eyeing up suspicious types. Then reporting them to security before they could get away.

Anyone fancy a nice little part time job?

Chestnut

Extratime Could the shop doors be automatically closed and locked if a shoplifter is seen on camera taking things? They would not be allowed to leave until they had returned everything they had stolen. It would only take a few minutes and potential customers waiting inside/ outside would be informed of the reason for the delay.

I love that like me you're coming up with some suggestions, but I don't think customers would want to be locked inside with a potentially dangerous individual who may produce a knife and hold one of them hostage. Honest customers shouldn't be inconvenienced anyway, they may be in a hurry to pick up a child from school or have some other important reason not to be imprisoned inside a shop. So I don't think it would work unfortunately.

I think it might be construed as false imprisonment and I doubt honest customers would be impressed even if they understood why.

I think that biometric face scanning will become a normal part of everyday life, despite people protesting that it infringes their human rights (what nonsense). It will identify criminals instantly, so they will be unable to go anywhere without being spotted.

Extratime Could the shop doors be automatically closed and locked if a shoplifter is seen on camera taking things? They would not be allowed to leave until they had returned everything they had stolen. It would only take a few minutes and potential customers waiting inside/ outside would be informed of the reason for the delay.

I love that like me you're coming up with some suggestions, but I don't think customers would want to be locked inside with a potentially dangerous individual who may produce a knife and hold one of them hostage. Honest customers shouldn't be inconvenienced anyway, they may be in a hurry to pick up a child from school or have some other important reason not to be imprisoned inside a shop. So I don't think it would work unfortunately.

MayBee70

We were in a pet shop once when someone drew a knife on the cashier; we legged it out the back door. I seem to remember asking people if they had a mobile phone ( it was before everyone had one) forgetting that I had one myself. Everyone was ok but it was very scary.

In a pet shop?!
Good grief.

We were in a pet shop once when someone drew a knife on the cashier; we legged it out the back door. I seem to remember asking people if they had a mobile phone ( it was before everyone had one) forgetting that I had one myself. Everyone was ok but it was very scary.

I'm not confronting any shoplifters .
I witnessed a horrible fight between three shoplifters and supermarket staff .
I called the police .
They didn't come.

Just a few ideas- though probably controversial !

Could the shop doors be automatically closed and locked if a shoplifter is seen on camera taking things? They would not be allowed to leave until they had returned everything they had stolen. It would only take a few minutes and potential customers waiting inside/ outside would be informed of the reason for the delay.

Also local shops should have photos of the known shoplifters and they should be refused entry into the shops by the security guards.

I think the idea of having to show your receipt before leaving the shop would deter some shop lifters.

Also the security guards should be given a bonus every time they apprehend a shoplifter. Otherwise where is the incentive, as they get paid the same whether they stop a shoplifter or not?

Finally, as Witzend says until the police take real decisive action and the shoplifters are punished there is no real deterrent.

Many supermarkets on the Continent and in America used to make you put bags over a certain size in a bag hold when you entered them which meant you couldn't walk out with a lot of stuff. You had to go through a till point to get out. I don't know why that couldn't be a way of reducing thefts.

knspol

If staff are instructed not to approach shop lifters because of safety concerns then why the heck should a member of the public, this is a nonsense.

Absolutely and even more so the security staff. Kemi should be asking why they are not dealing with shoplifters rather than suggesting the public get involved. That is what they are there for.

How ridiculous! She hasn't a clue.

The supermarket at the shopping mall of a town in Norway which I know well has gates at the entrance which allows entrance only and gates at the exit which open only when the till receipt is swiped.
This might work in some situations in Britain.

And what if you "hurt" a shoplifter and end up in court yourself? Or more likely end up in AE yourself.
We need more effective policing by police and security. But from reading all the posts that doesn't seem likely to happen.

Jojo1950

I have done it! I’m not strong or big.
However I cannot stand bye and watch it happening. My son caught one in London. Lad had stolen electrical equipment! Retrieved it for the owner chasing after him.
It can be done just have an understanding of when and how. We should all help out!

Perhaps you could let us know, how to guess which shoplifters are carrying a concealed weapon , or have taken drugs?

My impulse would definitely be to intervene if I thought it would lead to an arrest etc. But when the shop staff just let them go and the police aren't acting, what's the point. I'd just make a fool of myself. I find the whole thing deplorable and utterly depressing!

My niece worked in a small local Boots. They would rush in grab all the perfume and run out. The glass cases were added - they just smashed them. Not a big enough one to employ security.

Boots closed this small shop altogether. It is why some chains, especially the "pound" ones are struggling as the high theft eats in to their very narrow margins.

They were told not to tackle.

Wyllow3

Iam64

What an interesting if draconian idea Chestnut

Hmm, I think card swiping at the door would work in some sort of shops like posh clothing or jewellery?
then you have the problem of stolen cards, so you woul have to enter the PIN number too and thats not something a lot would be keen on...

We have to swipe the till receipt at the exit to our local Lidl.

Iam64

What an interesting if draconian idea Chestnut

Hmm, I think card swiping at the door would work in some sort of shops like posh clothing or jewellery?
then you have the problem of stolen cards, so you woul have to enter the PIN number too and thats not something a lot would be keen on...

If staff are instructed not to approach shop lifters because of safety concerns then why the heck should a member of the public, this is a nonsense.

Basgetti

Don’t suppose her kids would thank her if mum was stabbed.

Also, if she does go in a shop & there's a shoplifting incident, all the other shoppers are going to alert her & expect her to tackle the offender.

She may live to regret saying this...