Many people feel that theft from a shop or factory is ok, well not ok but not as serious as stealing from someones house. Shop theft is big business, often shops and businesses are seen as easy targets as merchandise is often unattended and placed right to the front door. The Independent Retail News has reported an increase in shoplifting in the last half of last year this has been put down to the credit crunch (source). Shoplifting can often be split into categories:

* The opportunist, these thieves are encouraged to steal as goods are often left unattended.
* The Drug user, these thieves steal to keep their drug habit.
* The professional, these thieves often work in teams and target high volume goods. These groups often have ‘minders’ to protect them.
* Shop Staff, sometimes the staff will turn a blind eye to colleagues lifting stock or putting items through at reduced rate.
* Young people, often put under pressure from older children and parents this type is on the increase now.

Theft in certain shops can be down to the type of stock that you sell, location of the premises and the position of your stock. There are several things that can be done to protect your shop and goods. A good alarm system is a must in any factory/shop, expensive goods should to be tagged and the use of CCTV is an ideal way to deter would be thieves,(remember to use CCTV you must use the proper notices and signage). The use of mirrors is always good as your staff can often then see every corner of the shop. These are only a few of the things that can be done to protect your goods, for more advice talk to the crime prevention team in your local area. Remember that from your local shop to a multimillion pound mall, no-one is immune to shoplifting.