The survey – of national and independent retailers in city centres across England – found that 60 per cent of stores said that security had not become a priority for them following the riots.
A further 55 per cent of retailers were also unconcerned about the possibility of unrest occurring again in the next two years, believing that trouble on the scale witnessed in the summer was unlikely to return.
Due to the cost of lost stock, repairs to buildings and lost trading hours whilst maintenance was carried out, the recent riots are estimated to have cost retailers tens of millions of pounds.
Avoid complacency
Daniel Warwick, managing director of independent security specialist DW-OZ Security, which conducted the survey, said: “Although the riots may be fading into the memory for some retailers, they cannot afford to be complacent about their security.
“The unrest served as a wake-up call for a number of stores and many have been pro-active in reviewing their procedures.”
A team from DW-OZ Security experienced the riots firsthand, as the company provided 50 members of its security team to man various locations across Manchester city centre during the recent unrest.
Warwick said: “Retailers may think that the trouble has passed and is unlikely to return, but they need to consider how they are going to protect their goods, staff and customers in the future.
“Implementing the appropriate measures is key and stores would be well-advised to look again at their practices if they have not already done so. The riots showed that prevention is always better than cure.”
Insurance benefits
Dave Mackie – group business development director at independent insurance broker and financial services intermediary CBG Group – said improved security measures can have a positive impact on insurance premiums.
He said: “Retailers can significantly reduce their premiums if they take proactive steps towards risk improvements. Discounts of around 20 per cent can be achieved if positive actions are taken to improve security.”
DW-OZ Security provides security for a range of commercial and residential properties, events and schools. It also offers mobile patrols, manned guarding, close protection and concierge services, with the company looking to expand its offering in the coming months.
