Garden Shoplifting A4 Poster
The following posters have been produced by the Hampshire and IOW Constabulary Crime Prevention Advisors
Retail Crime Support
Retail crime is a significant and escalating challenge. HTA research estimated a £16 million annual turnover loss across garden centres in 2022, with 71% of members reporting retail crime as a major issue for their business.
This hub serves as a central point for members to access guidance, reporting systems, and intelligence networks.
Tackling Retail Crime Webinar - February 2025
Strategic insights from the face of UK policing and retail security.
This exclusive HTA session features specialist guidance from the individuals shaping the national response to retail crime, including:
- Superintendent Patrick Holdaway – National Business Crime Centre (NBCC).
- Matthew Barber – Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley.
- Chief Inspector Marcus Cator – Strategic Area Policing Hub.
- Nathan Wilson – Head of Group Security and Total Loss at Blue Diamond.
- Gareth Lewis – Loss Prevention & Security Services Manager (Southern Co-op) & Chairman of UKPAC.
Deterrence and Psychology
Understanding offender behaviour to protect your garden centre.
The CRAVED Model: What is at Risk?
Thieves often target items based on six characteristics: Concealable, Removable, Available, Valuable, Enjoyable, and Disposable. In garden retail, this commonly includes:
- High-Volume: Packet seeds, secateurs, and hand tools.
- High-Value: Power tools, premium BBQ sets, and machinery.
- Lifestyle: Jewellery, candles, and high-end gifts.
Psychological Deterrents:
- The Greeting Defence: Simple staff engagement, such as greeting every customer as they enter, increases the perceived risk for an opportunistic thief.
- Psychological Ownership: Encouraging staff to take pride and "ownership" of their specific departments makes them more naturally vigilant and attentive to suspicious activity.
- Store Layout: Use the HTA report Reducing Opportunistic Crime in Garden Retail to learn how merchandising and line-of-sight can be utilised to deter theft.
Colleague Safety and Wellbeing
Abuse is not part of the job.
- ShopKind Campaign: The HTA supports the national #ShopKind campaign, backed by the Home Office. It aims to tackle violence and abuse against shopworkers by encouraging respectful customer behaviour.
- Reporting Abuse: A high percentage of members report staff abuse as a major concern. Ensure all incidents are logged—not just physical theft—to help the HTA lobby for stronger legal protections for retail workers.
Professional Reporting and Evidence
Moving from 101 to "Police-Ready" reporting
- Retail Action Crime Kit (RACK): RACK helps gather digital evidence. Their specialist team reviews your reports to ensure they meet the evidential standards required for police action and prosecution.
- Store Detective App: Useful information on identifying and dealing with retail theft
- Business Impact Statements: When reporting, always include a statement explaining the financial, operational, and emotional toll of the crime. This is a critical tool for influencing sentencing in court.
- Emergency and Non-Emergency: Use 101 for non-emergencies and always dial 999 if there is a threat of violence or a crime in progress.
Intelligence and Collaboration
Connecting with the wider retail community.
- Safer Business Network (SBN): Facilitates partnerships between businesses and police to track organised crime groups that target multiple garden centres within a region. This helps paint a bigger picture of criminal activity across the industry.
- DISC System: A secure platform used to share offender images and near-miss alerts with neighbouring stores and local police forces.
- NBCC Toolkits: Access national police guidance on body-worn cameras, CCTV standards, and physical security.
- B2BSG Solutions: HTA preferred partner for independent advice on tagging, CCTV hardware, and site security. You can also receive a free of charge shoplifting risk assessment.
HTA Advocacy: Working for You
The HTA is in open dialogue with Police & Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and national policing bodies. By using the reporting and intelligence tools on this page, you provide the HTA with the data needed to lobby for better protection and prioritisation of the horticultural sector.
Retail Crime Training
Supporting your teams with knowledge.
Equipping colleagues with the right skills and good practice in store is a critical part of preventing and responding to retail crime. Well-trained teams are more likely to identify suspicious behaviour early, act appropriately, and contribute to safer store environments.
E-learning options:
- Safer Business Network: Retail WAVE is a 25-minute interactive eLearning course that equips retail staff and first responders with the practical skills and confidence to keep people safe through real-world scenarios and effective behaviours.
- Skillsforwork: Online training platform offering modules including Workplace Violence.
Related Resources
Garden Shoplifting A4 Poster Web
The following posters have been produced by the Hampshire and IOW Constabulary Crime Prevention Advisors