Enhancing Retail Worker Safety with Purchek® Technology and Theft Intelligence Services
The UK retail industry is grappling with a safety crisis, as violence and abuse against retail workers reach alarming levels. A recent survey by the Retail Trust highlights the harsh reality: nearly half (47%) of retail staff fear for their safety at work, and a worrying 39% are considering leaving the industry altogether. For many, these fears are not unfounded. Confronting shoplifters has been identified as a significant trigger for abusive incidents, with 64% of violent episodes arising from such encounters. This troubling environment underscores the urgent need for innovative, proactive solutions to protect retail employees and safeguard their wellbeing.
At Gatekeeper Systems, we believe that no employee should have to choose between their safety and fulfilling their role. Traditional methods of loss prevention often place retail staff in direct confrontation with shoplifters, leading to unnecessary risks and, as the Retail Trust study shows, significant stress and anxiety. This is where Purchek® Technology and Theft Intelligence Services come into play, offering a new way forward for the industry.
To delve deeper into how we can collectively address this growing issue, read our whitepaper:
👉 Stopping Violence Against Retail Employees: Something We Can All Agree On
This insightful resource explores the actionable steps retailers can take to reduce violence and foster a safer working environment for their employees.
How Purchek® Technology Makes a Difference
- Confrontation-Free Theft Prevention
Confronting shoplifters not only increases the risk of violence but also places undue pressure on retail staff. Purchek® Technology eliminates this risk by stopping the trolley—not the individual. Through advanced behaviour-based systems, the technology ensures that shopping trolleys with unpaid merchandise are automatically immobilised at exits. This confrontation-free approach significantly reduces the potential for violent incidents, keeping employees safe.
- A Safer and More Supportive Workplace
The Retail Trust study revealed that a lack of support from employers contributes to feelings of insecurity, with 73% of workers reporting that they feel unsafe at work. Purchek® not only deters theft but also demonstrates a commitment to employee safety, fostering a more supportive and secure working environment.
- Protecting Products, Profits, and Peace of Mind
Purchek® Technology is a comprehensive loss prevention solution. It ensures unpaid merchandise never leaves the store, safeguarding valuable inventory while improving profitability. Retailers can achieve peace of mind knowing that their assets, employees, and customers are protected by intelligent, always-on systems.
- Maintaining an Inviting Shopper Experience
While theft prevention is critical, maintaining a positive customer experience is equally important. Purchek® operates invisibly to paying customers, ensuring an open and inviting retail environment while discreetly deterring theft.
The Role of Purchek® Theft Intelligence Services
- Actionable Theft Insights
Beyond preventing theft, Purchek® Theft Intelligence Services provide retailers with powerful insights into theft behaviour. High-definition video alerts and detailed reports allow store managers to identify patterns, understand repeat offender activity, and allocate resources where they are needed most.
- Measuring ROI and Improving Efficiency
By offering measurable data on system performance, Purchek® helps retailers validate their investment and continuously improve operational efficiency. The system saves time and resources by reducing the need for employees to manually review extensive footage, enabling them to focus on enhancing the shopping experience.
- Empowering Retail Operations
Retail teams can rest assured that Purchek® is always on duty, reducing the burden on employees and allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities. This not only streamlines operations but also boosts morale by creating a safer, more efficient workplace.
Why the Time to Act is Now
The findings from the Retail Trust paint a grim picture: 55% of retail workers report that workplace safety has deteriorated in the last two years, with 63% feeling stressed and anxious about going to work. Nearly one in three workers face abuse weekly, and the growing sense of insecurity is pushing many out of the industry altogether.
Purchek® Technology offers a solution to these challenges, creating a safer environment for retail staff while addressing theft with advanced, automated systems. By adopting Purchek® and Theft Intelligence Services, retailers can not only protect their people but also foster a culture of respect, safety, and innovation in the workplace.
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*Source: For full article: Retail Trust Survey via Grocery Gazette,”Almost half (47%) of retail staff fear for their safety)”
