Single or Multi-Store locations

Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 2:21 pm

Which do you prefair the single outlet or the multi-store mall/center. Question

I have only just started on the actual physical side of grocery/retail security, (previously I've seen just about every consivable way of obtaining textiles from a store via CCTV images Shocked

) I must say that I do enjoy the "thrill of the chase" that the job entails, but I wonder what life is like looking after several stores retailing a whole host of items.

Can anyone express just what it's like, what drives them to work in this environment?

Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 3:56 pm

Dave,
Some time ago I worked for a store based in a multi-store mall/center.
It was a lot more helpful having multi-store security guards, when it come to stoping someone they would wait out side the shop while I iformed them on the radio what was going on.
Paul

Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 4:12 pm

Paul,

I currently work as a contract officer supplying a uniformed presence in a grocery environment, (Clue: silly jingle and a bouncing Very Happy

!!) which is a stand alone unit, but a couple of hundred yards away is a market and an enclosed shopping complex with a town link radio connecting all the retailers and the police, until recently I was not FULLY aware of the vast problem of retail crime it’s so huge its frightening.

I’m wondering why this section of the guild is not thriving as there must be a large portion of members who work retail or have done so, pass on your knowledge!

Can anyone please give a lay-mans view of the civil recovery program from start to finish?

Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 4:23 pm

Dave1812 wrote:

Can anyone please give a lay-mans view of the civil recovery program from start to finish?

As I rember but I might be wrong the civil recovery program is used because of what it costs to take some one to court.
From the guard watching and stoping the crook right though to going to court. This means that you can bill them for the lot instead of them just getting a slap on the hand and the shop never getting any thing back.
Paul

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 6:38 am

As I understand it, the Civil Recovery Action is an alternative option to criminal action. IE a civil prosecution is brought to the offender by the store, rather than a criminal prosecution from the Police.

Say you caught a shop lifter, as my good lady last week whilst carrying out a security survey for an up coming contract - the perp was arrested at the scene and detained until the Police arrived.

The perp was around 60 years of age and experienced in his criminal acts judging by the coolness of his response to being arrested and detained - and the fact that he was quite happy to sit reading his paper (and asked for a cup of tea) whilst waiting for the Police to arrive.

The Police said they would not proceed with a prosecution as (from their experience) the CPS would not recommend prosecution due to the gentlemans age.

As this perp was a repeat offender and knew he would be let off with a 'caution' (as he had numerous times before) - the store decided to bring their own civil action against this individual.

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 1:04 pm

The original idea of civil recovery was to work hand in hand with the criminal prosecution. It was usually listed on the court papers although it was still a civil matter it showed that the store was serious. The initial idea was started in america where 95% of the retail sector use it. It is quite mainspread in Europe and was started here about 8 years ago by four major chains. It still has not caught on as well so unfortunately the whole scheme does not carry the weight it should.

A bit confused about the 60 year old man. The Police do not have the power to decide whether to prosecute or not? If the store wants to press charges then it is simply their job to gather the evidence. It is actually up to the CPS to make the decision. I have come across this a number of times and actually once threatened to sue the CPS for recovery and they soon changed their mind. The oldest shoplifter I have had in court was 82 years old and it turned out he had over 140 previous offences.

I do believe their is a standard formula to work out the cost of civil recovery so it might be worth asking around.

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 2:35 pm

Some interesting points, thanks Leon!
You are of course quite right regarding the prosecution decision being made by the CPS and perhaps the Police Officers concerned were a little 'pre-emptive' in their reasoning.

Newbie Joined: Oct 17, 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Reading

As far as I am aware the civil recovery scheme works apart from other legal proceedings in as far as that even if the accused is released or gets off free of charge he is still liable for civil recovery. The indevidual is free to contest this as long as he doesn't mind dragging himself through he courts.

Talking about our "Huge founts of knowledge" ask and ye shalt receive... Wink

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 1:53 pm

I am a security manager for an in-house team for a shopping centre consisting about 60 shop units + car park.
The idea of security in these locations is changing so much. No longer are the 'police' style uniforms with eppaulettes required, in are the business suits and the need for an approachable manner. Customer service is the key now. All vey well, but what happens when you're rolling around on the floor with an idiot, trying to stop him from hitting you? He'll crease your smart jacket...

To enjoy mall / centre security, you have to really enjoy listening to people, helping people, walking old ladies to the bus, carrying pushchairs, directing traffic, being a talking map/tourist information point, and be willing to get stuck in, as you have 60 shops with lifters etc, and every one will want your help to stop/detain someone. It is good, i can't explain why, it just is.

Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 12:51 pm

Scarffy
I know!!
I completed a spell before becoming a Neighbourhood Warden, all the points raised are still vastly used in my current role.