How to Reduce Shoplifting in Your Store: A Practical Guide for UK Retailers

Number 1

Use Security Tags on High-Risk Items

Alarm tags work because they make theft loud, risky and obvious. When a thief tampers with a tag or tries to leave the store, the alarm sounds instantly – drawing attention and forcing them to abandon the item or flee. This visible deterrent makes shoplifters think twice before targeting tagged products.

Chirp Protect tags go a step further than traditional systems. They work without gates, wires or subscriptions, and alarm directly from the product. Even if someone tries to cut or hide the tag, it still sounds. They're tamper-proof, easy to fit, and ideal for high-risk items in convenience stores, garden centres and more,

Number 2

Keep High-Value Items in High-Visibility Areas

Don’t hide your most stolen products at the back or in corners of the store - that gives thieves time and privacy.

In department stores, keeping premium items in sight of staff or CCTV can help. In garden centres, tools and small giftware near the tills are more secure than on quiet aisles or outdoor displays.

Tactics that help:

• Place high-theft goods near staffed checkouts
• Use mirrors or signage to improve visibility
• Use stickers and signs to let shoppers know that you have security measures in place.
• Display high-value stock in open sight - with security tags applied

Number 3

Train Your Staff to Spot the Signs of Shoplifting

No matter your industry, your staff are your first and best line of defence. Common signs include:

• Repeated trips to the same section
• Distracting one staff member while another browses
• Oversized bags or clothing not suited to the weather

If you're running a busy forecourt or convenience store, even a simple “Can I help you find anything?” can discourage shoplifters by showing that staff are alert.

Number 4

Install a Visible Shoplifting Deterrent System

Visual deterrents work. They signal to thieves that your store is protected and not worth the risk. This applies across sectors — from garden centres to fashion retailers.

Consider:

• Anti-theft signage at entrances
• Visible tags on products like spirits, supplements, power tools or cosmetics
  

Chirp Edge and Chirp Zone offer a range of discreet but powerful deterrents. Once a shoplifter hears the alarm, they usually don’t come back.

Check out our Industry page to see how we help different industries

Number 5

Avoid Locking Products in Cabinets

Locking stock behind glass might prevent theft, but it also prevents sales. Customers won’t always ask for help - they’ll often just walk away.

With Chirp Protect, you can confidently display high-value items in the open:

• Tags don't damage packaging
• Alarmed tags work silently in the background
• Staff can remove them quickly at the till
  

This is especially useful for alcohol, gift sets, tools, cosmetics, or clothing — common targets in convenience, garden centres and department stores.

Number 6

Monitor Entry and Exit Points

A high-theft area? The door. In convenience stores or forecourts, proximity to the entrance is often exploited.

To deter theft:

• Place deterrents near entrances
• Use mirrors to eliminate blind spots
• Keep high-theft products away from exits
• Greet customers on entry where possible

Combine this with shop security tags, and even mobile thieves targeting multiple stores will move on quickly.

Number 7

Keep a Theft Log and Report Incidents

It’s important to log every incident of suspected or confirmed theft — no matter how small. That’s true whether you run one site or twenty.

Even if police aren’t always able to attend, your reports help:

• Build evidence on repeat offenders
• Strengthen business crime partnerships
• Prove need for further funding or support

If you’ve installed Chirp Protect, your incident rate may drop significantly - as shown in our case studies with real UK retailers.