Inside the high-tech AI fight against shoplifting epidemic as corner stores set for instant alerts

Scottish Sun

10 hours ago

Now they're looking at AI security measures too
SMILE, YOU'RE ON CCTV Inside the high-tech AI fight against shoplifting epidemic as corner stores set for instant alerts
A SHOP owner has called on the Scottish Government to fund security systems of the future — to ensure local stores don't become a thing of the past.
Crime stats reveal shoplifting exploded in 2024/25 — with a 16 per cent year-on-year rise and a 57 per cent jump since 2015.
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Natalie and Martin Lightfoot who own the Londis in Bailleston, Glasgow.
Credit: Supplied,
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Corner shops and convenience stores are facing a theft epidemic
Credit: Getty
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Figures show there's been a 57 per cent rise in shoplifting since 2015
Credit: Alamy
Meanwhile, figures released earlier this year by the Scottish Retail Consortium show one in six Scots have witnessed verbal or physical abuse of shop staff in the last 12 months.
Natalie Lightfoot, 42, has run the Londis Solo Convenience in Baillieston, Glasgow, for 19 years.
And she and hubby Martin have recently been forced to fork out on headsets and CCTV.
Now they're looking at AI security measures too — after lobbying in the Scottish Parliament for increased protection via government grants for every independent shop.
The businesswoman, who scooped £5,000 and a National Winners gong at Allwyn's first ever Local Retail Champions awards, said: 'I wanted to highlight that we can't keep going like this. It has been this way for years and we've endured a lot, but it's getting worse.
'I've been called names, people have threatened my life and I was broken into twice in 20 days when pregnant and ended up losing the baby.
'The thing is that 95 per cent of customers are wonderful. But I feel for people who don't have a bigger network of support around them. That's why I feel lucky to have got this award because otherwise I wouldn't be able to make these decisions that change our lives.
'I know people who have left the business because they can no longer keep going with the rise in crime.
'The Scottish Government has helped out with money before with grants for environmentally friendly refrigeration.
'But a contribution or percentage towards security would be key right now as it's a decision for a lot of people as to whether they want to keep running their stores.'
THREE TIPS FOR CURBING LOSSES
1. MEET AND GREET
Shoplifters assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by staff. It's 'the three-to-five second rule'. Greeting customers as they enter premises can put off shoplifters because it sends out a message you and staff are paying attention.
2. KEEP IT TIDY
A clean and tidy outlet with clear visibility tells a thief that everything is shipshape – and that surveillance is also probably first class. Keep things security friendly, with uncluttered, wide aisles where possible, thereby making it extremely difficult for them to steal unnoticed. Ensure the exterior, grounds and building are also well maintained and clean.
3. DON'T BE ALONE
Thieves target stores where there is only one worker. More eyes in the store means you're more likely to spot a thief.
Natalie received the funding after being nominated for the award by customers for community work, such as organising fundraising events, litter-picking activities and providing home delivery for those in need.
She used the money to get better CCTV and bought headsets for staff so they can communicate with each other when they spot shoplifters.
AI is the next consideration.
The £4,000 technology automatically warns thieves over a tannoy if it detects them stealing.
As well as saving money by stopping shoplifters, Natalie thinks it's important that people realise the toll the abuse takes.
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AI is the next step in the fightback against shoplifting
Credit: Getty
She said: 'As soon as a customer gets products — usually alcohol — in their hands, it's harder to get it off them.
'Technology allows us to intervene sooner. Shoplifters are ruthless and often it feeds into an addiction. But it's the abuse that comes alongside shoplifting. Recently over a weekend to Tuesday, we had shoplifting every day.
'We had somebody walk in, pick up a ten-pack of beer and try to walk out. Our staff had to physically block the door.
'I'm at the lower end of the shoplifting scale but am losing about £150 a week in retail value. We're at our wits end and money is literally walking out the door. It's about weighing up the cost of security versus what we lose.
'It's a conflict situation which makes staff anxious and they don't feel safe at work so I turnover staff more often.
'But if the security is better they feel safe and it's a better experience for our customers.'
Natalie is working with community police officers, has been lobbying with the Scottish Grocers Federation and attended a cross-party group to talk about her experiences in retail crime — and urge more support.
When someone steals, owners can email police the details and hope the suspect is caught.
But she'd much rather the Holyrood Government stepped up to ensure local shops can afford the deterrents they need to keep staff safe and stores open.
She said: 'We wish they would look at it from the perspective that everybody needs this help so they can benefit their area and be a community store in their own right.'
Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: 'The Scottish Government is concerned by the significant harm and disruption caused by retail crime, which is why £3million has been made available this year for police to work with the retail sector to help tackle this issue.'