Detect loss and theft in retail environments

URN: SFSSLP17
Business Sectors (Suites): Security and Loss Prevention
Developed by: Skills for Security
Approved on: 30 Mar 2020

Overview

This NOS is aimed at security and loss prevention service providers and

sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding for you to detect loss

and theft in retail environments.

This NOS covers the following activities:

1.Gather and evaluate evidence to detect offences and suspects

2.Respond to identified suspects


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

Gather and evaluate evidence to detect offences and suspects

1.collate and evaluate reliable and factual details related to loss and potential

offences

2.liaise with management to understand the levels of losses and risk at your

workplace

3.ensure there is a level of acceptable compliance in store in line with your

organisation’s policies and procedures to help management run an efficient

store and deter acts of dishonesty by staff and customers

4.maintain the covert nature of your security role while evaluating evidence of

loss or theft

5.maintain all security equipment to a satisfactory level and ensure integrity of

data and evidence is protected

6.report details of loss and theft, and the action you propose to take, fully and

accurately to the relevant person

7.complete the required records accurately, legibly and within required

timescales

Respond to identified suspects

8.maintain the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others whilst

responding to identified suspects

9.identify suspects from available information

10.take action to deal with suspects that is in line with your organisation’s

policies and procedures

11.report clear details of suspects and action to be taken to the relevant person

in line with your organisation’s policies and procedures

12.receive information from relevant authorities clearly and accurately

maintaining your responsibility to take the appropriate action

13.complete the required records accurately, legibly and within required

timescales


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

Legal and organisational requirements

1.current relevant legislation (in particular Data Protection Act), regulations,

codes of practice and guidelines relating to:

1.1gathering information about possible loss and theft from retail environments

1.2to dealing with people suspected of causing retail loss or theft

Gather and evaluate evidence to detect offences and suspects

2.where you can get reliable and factual information from, about the area and

nature of loss and theft

3.how to evaluate and confirm details of loss or theft in order to decide what

action should be taken

4.how to decide and confirm when you have sufficient evidence on which

effective action can be taken

5.how to maintain the covert nature of your security role while gathering

evidence related to loss and theft

6.what actions you can propose to prevent loss and theft from retail

environments

7.know the limits of your responsibility and authority

Respond to identified suspects

8.the surveillance techniques that you should use to identify loss or theft

9.how to spot suspicious behaviour and identify people suspected of causing

loss or theft

10.how to communicate effectively with your associates to give details of

suspects and action to take, in line with your organisation's policies and

procedures


Scope/range

1.details related to:

1.1.loss

1.2.internal theft

1.3.external theft

2.security equipment: to include:

2.1.CCTV

2.2.alarm systems

2.3.radio

3.person to whom you report:

3.1.colleagues

3.2.police

3.3.other retailers


Scope Performance

​s


Scope Knowledge

​s


Values

​v


Behaviours

​b


Skills

​s


Glossary

​g


Links To Other NOS

​n


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

30 Mar 2025

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for Security

Original URN

tbc

Relevant Occupations

Elementary Occupations, Elementary Security Occupations, Security Manager, Security Officer

SOC Code

9231

Keywords

security, loss; prevention; detect; loss; theft; environment; evidence; offences; suspects