Labour’s Crime and Policing Bill was presented to Parliament last week and was welcomed by Assist Security Group (ASG) as a critical intervention to combat the surge in retail crime.
ASG security experts, specialising in the luxury sector, believe the legislation provides essential tools to protect high-end retailers facing unprecedented criminal activity. It contains over 50 measures targeting retail crime and anti-social behaviour, offering new protection for retailers of jewelry, watches, designer clothing and other high-value items who face escalating theft and staff intimidation.
British Retail Consortium data shows retail crime incidents have increased by 440% since 2020, with violence against staff rising by 50%. The luxury goods sector has become a prime target for organised theft operations, with retailers losing £2.2 billion annually despite investing £1.8 billion in prevention measures.
Troy Hewitt, CEO of Assist Security Group, commented: “This legislation hopefully marks a turning point for our luxury retail clients who have been particularly vulnerable to both opportunistic shoplifting and orchestrated crime. The creation of a specific offence for assaulting retail workers, removal of the £200 threshold for shoplifting offences, and introduction of Respect Orders to ban repeat offenders from town centres directly addresses the challenges faced by premium fashion and jewelry retailers.”
“Our experience protecting luxury boutiques shows that high-value merchandise requires sophisticated security approaches. This bill finally acknowledges the severity of retail crime and provides the necessary legal framework to support the measures we implement,” Hewitt added.
The security firm emphasises that while these legislative changes are welcome, luxury retailers should continue implementing comprehensive security strategies. ASG recommends that designer clothing stores, jewelers, and watch retailers:
– Regularly, at least annually, review their security provision using an independent expert
– Participate in Business Crime Reduction Partnerships to share intelligence on known offenders targeting luxury merchandise
– Deploy advanced security technology appropriate for high-value environments
– Provide specialised training for staff working with premium merchandise
– Engage with Police and Crime Commissioners to ensure luxury retail crime receives priority
ASG’s expertise in securing luxury retail environments includes risk assessment, tailored security programmes, and effective loss prevention solutions that maintain welcoming environments for clients.
For fashion houses, jewelry boutiques, and premium retailers concerned about protecting high-value merchandise while maintaining customer experiences, ASG offers consultations to develop security solutions that align with brand standards.
The company notes that the National Retail Crime Action Plan will also strengthen retailer protection by ensuring police pursue all reasonable lines of inquiry when provided with CCTV evidence of theft. Additionally, Project Pegasus, a retail-police partnership targeting organised crime gangs, has already resulted in nearly 100 arrests of gang members targeting high-value merchandise.
ASG reports increasing demand for its specialist security services from luxury brands seeking to protect expensive watches, designer clothing collections, and jewelry displays. The firm’s approach integrates discreet physical security with intelligence gathering to create protective environments that maintain the exclusive atmosphere expected in premium retail settings.
About Assist Security Group
Assist Security Group provides security solutions with over 30 years of experience across multiple industries. Key sectors include luxury retailers, corporate headquarters, entertainment venues, NHS healthcare facilities, and businesses requiring bespoke security training. ASG’s 6-Point security framework ensures comprehensive security cover, emphasising protection, prevention, presentation, planning, people, and partnerships.
You may be reviewing your security plans, looking to resolve a specific risk issue or just want to know what’s new in loss prevention. ASG’s interactive Coffee & Catch-Up – as a call or in-person meeting -is an opportunity to find out about the options and opportunities for the safety and security of your organisation this year – https://assistsecurity.co.uk/
For more information, please contact our Security Partnerships Manager – Natalia Draghici
