Last month we reported that Police 5 is back on television. Noel Verbruggen, MD of Intrepid Security Solutions Ltd, writes about the new outing for the Police 5 TV show, once on ITV, now airing on Channel 5.
I was slightly apprehensive when Optomen for Channel 5 first approached us to participate in ‘It Takes A Thief To Catch A Thief’.
My initial hesitation was due in part, to the possibility that the program might sensationalise shoplifting. It’s a crime that is often under-estimated, but in fact retail crime costs both the retailer and your customers, millions every year. (Figures reveal that losses due to shoplifting in the UK are at an all time high – according tot he Global Retail Theft Barometer 2012-2013, 1.22 billion in 2012-2013).
It would be naive of me to think that without showing an element of how easy it can be to ‘conceal and steal’, we couldn’t show the solutions that solve the problems. There was also our own position, within the industry, our reputation and client base, which includes world famous names and high street favourites, as well as many independents, who may feel that we are sharing trade secrets.
When I first started in the loss prevention industry in the late seventies it was a very different world. An indication of loss was sometimes only possible when you noticed an item missing from the rail and realised you hadn’t sold it, or a lack of available stock. Things have changed and most retailers have an LP or Profit Protection Department, whose sole purpose is to reduce loss and add value to the bottom line. Of course it’s a necessity and effective in most cases but personally, I sometimes miss the opportunity to speak directly with owners and retailers.
The opportunity to work with and advise independent owners, people who had built their businesses up single handed, something I had done myself, was too tempting. Many of the stores featured in the program would not normally be in a position to benefit from what we could offer or provide, not necessarily because they perceived the cost out of reach but also where they should go to find the right information. With over 34 years’ experience in the industry I like to think Intrepid Security offer not only the best equipment but a long term relationship and trust.
We are bound to be criticised in some quarters, however, as long as it’s not my valued customers, then I can live with that. For retailers, it’s no longer an issue that they can ignore.
