There is an increase in retail crime all over the UK, and shoplifting hit a new record high in 2025, with more than 530,000 reported offences. In our area, Preston has a greater share, with a 15.3% year-over-year increase. Fishergate, Friargate, and St George’s Shopping Centre retailers face daily challenges.

The threat extends beyond vandalism, burglaries, and antisocial behaviour that peaks at night. Independent retailers, high street brands, and landlords share a common challenge: securing stock, staff, and customers by maintaining healthy margins.

We provide more than a human presence at the door. Retail manned guarding in Preston helps to enable proactive patrols, swift response, and trained professionals. This further helps utilise evidence, CCTV, and police liaison.

Preston’s Retail Security Challenge After Hours

Take a walk through Fishergate after 6 p.m. and you will see the issue. Shops close, shutters go down, but activity continues. Antisocial behaviour, loitering, and theft attempts are common.

A crime report from the Office for National Statistics shows that shoplifting rose 20% nationally. In 2024–25, Preston was well above the regional average. This is more than a headache for local businesses. It creates three main problems:

• Extra costs – Each incident brings unplanned bills for repairs, insurance excess, or lost stock.
• Profit erosion – Shrinkage eats into already tight margins, making it harder for stores to stay open.
• Staff safety risks – Closing staff or cleaners often face abuse, threats, or worse during late hours.

For most retailers, alarms alone are not good enough. They need Retail manned guarding services from a trusted security company in Preston to offer presence, authority, and swift response.

Why Retailers Choose Manned Guarding in Preston

Security-managed guarding is opted for by Retailers in Fishergate, Friargate, and St George’s. It is because it addresses issues that technology cannot address on its own.

• Visible deterrent – A patrolling guard outside a Fishergate shop or St George’s is a positive signal. It shows this location is safe. Thieves tend to leave when they notice security on the streets.
• Rapid response –  CCTV monitoring can detect occurrences, but guards respond immediately. They defuse situations, safeguard workers, and prevent theft before it becomes serious.
• Retail-specific training – Guards are also trained as loss prevention officers. They are aware of how to treat evidence, assist CCTV operators, and aid police in the event of reports.
• Customer reassurance – Shoppers are reassured by security staff. Families, students, and tourists feel more confident about going into stores where there is a visible guard.
• Protection during vulnerable hours –  Officers patrol the stores, cashing up, or making late-night deliveries. This is when staff are at their most vulnerable.
• Support for retail staff – Guarded employees are protected by trained guards. From threatening shoplifters to antisocial behaviour, they instil confidence and reassurance.

Case Snapshot – Fishergate Retail Unit

One of the better-known fashion stores on Fishergate had a serious issue in early 2024. Shrinkage losses of £2,500 per week were the norm. Employees did not feel secure when working late, and there were increasing attempts at nightbreaks.

The business brought in night patrol guarding with spot checks during the daytime. The outcome? Shrinkage dropped by more than 40% within half a year. Employees felt safer, and customers picked up on the sight of them. Guards not only reduce theft but also assist customer flow, safeguard stockrooms, and even prevent break-ins.

This shows how manned guarding security services achieve both financial and operational outcomes.

Service Packs Tailored to Preston’s Retail Sector

Not every retailer requires the same kind of guarding. That is why bespoke commercial manned guarding packages are available throughout Preston. These consist of:

• Patrol schedules –  Night and early evening patrols for shopping centre premises, high street shops, and car parks. Guards patrol doors, shutters, and perimeters to prevent opportunists.
• Evidence handling – Guards are trained to record incidents, write reports, and gather information. This is essential for insurance claims or police inquiries.
• Integrated retail security – Retail security with CCTV and alarm response gives a layered defence. It eliminates blind spots and accelerates action.
• Flexible packages for independents – Independent retailers can opt for alternatives like shared patrols. This provides protection without heavy expense.

For landlords and property managers, these services are scalable across several sites, so risk is managed.

Long-Term ROI of Retail Manned Guarding

Guarding is viewed by most retailers as an expense. But, in fact, retail manned guarding in Preston delivers quantifiable return on investment.

• Reduced shrinkage – Each per cent saved goes directly to the bottom line. For tight-margin retail, this has a dramatic impact.
• Lower insurance premiums – Insurers compensate proactive security with lower claims and lower premiums.
• Staff and customer confidence – A secure setting minimises turnover and makes shoppers feel safe.
• Protection of investment – For tenants, solid security protects property value and satisfies tenants.
• Operational continuity – Avoiding burglaries and malicious damage saves money and trade.
• Reputation enhancement –Regular visible security demonstrates concern for staff and customers. This boosts local trust and encourages repeat business.

For most Preston traders, the arithmetic quickly works out. For instance, reducing shrinkage losses by £2,000 per month can readily exceed the expense of routine guarding patrols.

Conclusion

Preston retail crime is not diminishing. Stores on Fishergate, Friargate, and throughout St George’s Shopping Centre, the threats are clear. Increase in shoplifting and evening-time offences bleeds profitability, disturbs staff, and harms reputation.

Retail manned guarding services provide a proven way forward. Trained guards and retail-specific expertise, businesses can bring safety and protect their future.

Do not let after-hours crime drain your margins. Secure your Preston retail store with professional, tailored manned guarding services. Contact us today for a retail-specific security plan designed to keep Fishergate’s businesses safe, day and night.

FAQs

1. How does retail manned guarding differ from standard guarding services?

Retail guarding specialises in shoplifting deterrence, reduction of shrinkage, and worker security. Guards receive training in CCTV operation, customer service, and evidence recovery.

2. Is retail manned guarding in Preston cost-effective for small independent stores?

Yes. Low-cost packages like shared patrols make guarding affordable without breaking the bank.

3. Can guards handle evidence collection for police or insurers?

Yes. Guards are taught how to record incidents and deal with evidence in a professional manner.

4. Are Preston guards SIA-licensed?

All guards are completely SIA-licensed and trained to national standards.

5. Can I combine manned guarding with my existing CCTV system?

Yes. Guards can be used in conjunction with CCTV and alarm response, forming a solid, multi-layered defence.

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