Store detectives are used to stop theft and reduce shrinkage within retail environments. Working discreetly on the shop floor, they identify dishonest behaviour, gather evidence, and support lawful intervention without disrupting normal trading.

This service is led by Director Jamie Treloar, who previously held senior responsibility for store detective operations across Wilko’s nationwide retail estate. That experience informs our approach to loss prevention, standards, and on-site performance.

Risk Identification & Loss Analysis

Effective loss prevention begins with identifying where and how loss is occurring. Store detectives focus on recognising theft risks, internal shrinkage, and procedural weaknesses within retail environments through structured observation and analysis.

This includes:

• Identifying theft and shrinkage risks based on store profile and trading patterns
• Assessing vulnerabilities across the shop floor, stockrooms, and delivery areas
• Reviewing repeat behaviour, incident history, and loss trends
• Identifying procedural gaps that contribute to ongoing loss
• Feeding findings back to management to support preventative action

By understanding how loss occurs, store detectives help implement proactive measures rather than repeatedly reacting to individual incidents.

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Discreet In-Store Surveillance & Intervention

Discreet surveillance is at the core of store detective operations. Working in plain clothes, store detectives observe activity on the shop floor and back-of-house without drawing attention or disrupting customers.

The aim is to stop theft while allowing stores to operate normally.

Store detectives:

• Remain discreet while maintaining constant awareness
• Identify dishonest behaviour and repeat activity
• Gather clear, accurate evidence
• Support lawful intervention where thresholds are met
• Liaise with store management and police when required

All action is proportionate, lawful, and carried out in line with agreed store procedures.

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Reporting & Client Visibility

All store detective activity is recorded through our own reporting system, with reports completed on-site at the time of the incident to ensure accuracy and consistency. Reports are uploaded directly to our system and automatically shared with the client, providing immediate visibility of incidents, actions taken, and supporting evidence.

In addition to real-time reporting, clients receive a structured monthly review summarising performance across sites. This includes the number of reports completed, thefts stopped, and the value of stock recovered, giving management a clear overview of activity levels, trends, and the measurable impact of loss prevention operations.

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