Security staff in Cardiff have said they are worried for their safety following an increase in the number of people shoplifting.
One security guard, who wishes to remain anonymous, described how he was recently held at knifepoint during one incident. He said: “Christmas time is the worst time of year.”
He claimed he has been “pushed around and hit” while on shift.
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics also shows more than 48,000 incidents of shop lifting were reported in November and December last year – which is more than 800 incidents a day.
Figures this year show there is already a 25% increase in shop lifting for the same period, and is only expected to get worse for high-street retailers in the run up to Christmas.
The security guard said he is worried about the danger he faces at work, especially during the festive period. He said he has witnessed items such as “advent calendars and all the expensive things” being stolen.
He described how he feels “caught” between prioritising his own safety or keeping his job, adding: “Sometimes it’s easier to let them go, but then I am worried I am not doing my job”.
Many corner shops now have security guards as theft from stores has become an issue. Security companies such a TSS (Total Security Services) are employed by large companies in a bid to curb stealing from the shelves.
TSS has reached a new £800,000 deal with retailers such as Tesco, Waitrose, Lidl and John Lewis as shop lifting increases. According to the TSS website, this extra cash will go into providing better training for “front line security staff” who are facing more violence as Christmas approaches.
The security guard concluded by saying “I wish my job can be safer.” The extra money TSS are receiving with hopefully make this the case for security staff in Cardiff.