Security Guards Advised to Avoid Direct Intervention in Shoplifting Incidents
Security guards across the UK have been given new instructions regarding their approach to shoplifting incidents. The guidance advises against direct intervention if they witness someone stealing, citing concerns for personal safety and the potential loss of their professional license.
The union representing security workers, the Security Industry Federation (SIF), has emphasized that members should “watch, report and be an expert witness for police” rather than take risks to protect store property. This advice comes amid growing concerns about the increasing frequency of shoplifting and associated violence.
Daniel Garnham, general secretary of the SIF, highlighted the need for clarity following reports of inconsistent procedures among different retailers. He pointed out that security staff are often faced with conflicting rules depending on where they work, which he attributes to a lack of coordinated policies between regulators, employers, and clients.
This shift in guidance follows several high-profile cases where retail employees were dismissed for taking action against shoplifters. These incidents have sparked debate over the balance between protecting business interests and ensuring the safety of frontline workers.
Notable Cases of Dismissal
One such case involved Sean Egan, a 46-year-old manager at Morrisons in Aldridge, near Walsall. Egan was fired after intervening with a repeat shoplifter who became aggressive and began spitting. The company cited its policy of “deter-and-not-detain” as the reason for his dismissal, despite his long tenure with the firm.
Similarly, Walker Smith, a 54-year-old shop assistant at Waitrose in Clapham Junction, South West London, was let go after tackling an Easter egg thief. Smith grabbed a bag of Lindt eggs from the suspect, leading to a struggle that resulted in the product spilling on the floor. Waitrose also enforces a strict no-confrontation policy.
Another example is Gavin Ramsay, a 49-year-old employee at Asda, who was sacked after trying to prevent a young person from leaving with a stolen bottle of alcohol. These cases highlight the tension between company policies and the actions of individual employees.
Calls for Better Training and Support
While some supermarket bosses have suggested arming security guards with batons and pepper spray to better handle shoplifting incidents, the SIF has warned that this could be “reckless” without proper training. They argue that such measures would only increase the risk in an already chaotic system.
Security workers are being urged to avoid engaging with troublemakers, even if it goes against their instincts. Garnham emphasized that “someone else’s stock is not more important than your safety, your career or your licence.”
He called for clear national guidelines on lawful intervention, improved and realistic training, and better support for workers who act in good faith. He added that security workers deserve clarity, consistency, and support in their roles.
Union Stance on Safety and Responsibility
Other unions, such as Usdaw, which represents 360,000 members, have also advised their members to avoid direct confrontation with potentially dangerous individuals. Similarly, the GMB union, one of the largest in the UK, stated that “retailers cannot expect security guards to put themselves at physical risk just to protect their bottom lines.”
These positions reflect a broader concern among unions about the safety of workers and the need for clearer policies that prioritize their well-being.
Government Response and Legal Changes
The issue has also drawn attention from the government. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced plans to crack down on shoplifting, including the deployment of 3,000 additional police officers to tackle theft. He also pledged to make assaulting retail workers a specific criminal offence.
This follows calls from business leaders like Ken Murphy, CEO of Tesco, who advocated for criminalizing retail abuse in 2023. Meanwhile, Greggs has taken steps to deter shoplifters by moving items behind tills.
The proposed changes are set to be included in the Crime and Policing Bill, though the legislation has faced delays between the Commons and the Lords. Labour also plans to remove the £200 threshold for shoplifting offences, aiming to end what Starmer described as the “shoplifter’s charter.”
