Addressing the Rise in Shoplifting: The Role of OpSuite EPoS in Enhancing Retail Security

The UK is facing an unprecedented surge in shoplifting, with high streets across the country grappling with this growing problem. The statistics are alarming: 2023 was the worst year on record for shoplifting, with over 430,000 cases reported, representing a 44% increase from the previous year. The British Retail Consortium has highlighted a doubling of customer theft incidents from 8 million to 16.7 million within a year, resulting in losses amounting to £1.8 billion. While socio-economic factors undoubtedly contribute to this trend, it’s essential to examine the technical vulnerabilities within retail operations that exacerbate the problem. At RMS, we believe that robust EPoS (Electronic Point of Sale) solutions can play a critical role in reducing these risks.

Understanding the Technical Failings

The rise in shoplifting can be attributed to several technical failings in retail environments, particularly those related to self-checkout systems and inadequate security measures. Here are some key issues:

• Inefficient Self-Checkout Systems: Self-checkout systems are convenient but can be prone to glitches and malfunctions. These issues frustrate customers, leading some to exploit the system’s vulnerabilities. For instance, the slowness of staff to attend to alarms and technical issues can create windows for opportunistic theft. Recently, there has been a growing movement of retailers moving away from self-checkouts in favour of more traditional options.

• Inadequate Surveillance and Monitoring: Many retail stores lack comprehensive surveillance systems that can effectively monitor and deter shoplifting. Poorly positioned cameras, blind spots, and insufficient real-time monitoring allow shoplifters to operate with minimal risk of detection.

• Lack of Staff Training and Awareness: Even the most advanced EPoS systems require knowledgeable staff to operate them effectively to avoid customer frustration. Inadequate training can lead to errors and oversight, compromising store security.

The Role of Advanced EPoS Solutions

To address these challenges, retailers must invest in advanced EPoS solutions that incorporate state-of-the-art features and make the checkout process simple and hassle-free:

1. OpSuite Mobile EPoS: OpSuite Mobile EPoS enables staff to ring up purchases directly on the shop floor, providing a seamless shopping experience for customers. With this ‘Queue-Busting’ technology, customers receive a ticket after their items are scanned, which they can then take to the checkout for smooth and fuss-free payment. This mobile solution streamlines the shopping process, reducing wait times and enhancing customer satisfaction. By bringing the point of sale to the customer, OpSuite Mobile EPoS improves efficiency and provides a modern, convenient retail experience.
2. RFID for Stock Taking and Real-Time Updates: Incorporating RFID technology into the stock taking process not only saves a significant amount of time, it also ensures that retailers have up-to-the-minute inventory data they can depend on, which makes it easier to identify theft. Retailers lagging behind on their outdated inventory systems are at risk of failing to detect theft quickly and accurately.
3. Comprehensive Staff Training Programmes: Implementing thorough training programmes such as our Workshops and End-User Training, ensures that staff are well-versed in using EPoS systems and provide a hassle-free checkout experience. Regular training updates can help staff stay informed about the latest features and protocols.

Conclusion

The surge in shoplifting is a huge issue for retailers, but addressing the technical failings within retail operations can significantly reduce the problem. At RMS, we are committed to providing retailers with cutting-edge EPoS solutions that not only streamline transactions but also enhance security. By adopting advanced technologies and ensuring robust staff training, retailers can create a safer shopping environment and protect their business. The battle against shoplifting requires a proactive approach, and investing in superior EPoS systems is a critical step in that direction.

If you are a retailer looking to upgrade your EPoS systems and enhance your store’s security, contact RMS today. Our team of experts is ready to help you implement solutions tailored to your specific needs. Together, we can create a secure and efficient retail environment.

Why Choose RMS?

RMS have worked with ambitious businesses since 2004, supplying tailored software solutions and EPoS hardware from the Shetland Islands to the Seychelles. We work with businesses in most retail verticals, contact us and discover how we can help you address the rise in shoplifting with an EPoS solution that’s designed for you to succeed.