Hodge Hill is a busy area in Birmingham, home to many supermarkets and the renowned Fox & Goose Shopping Centre. Many shops and convenience stores operate here, thereby drawing a large number of retail customers. Local businesses, however, face risks with this increase in commercial activity. According to the Midlands Police statistics, 52 shoplifting cases were reported in Birmingham in July 2025. These figures reflect the growing concern among business owners and retail staff.

The Birmingham police have been taking necessary steps to control the crime. But relying on them alone is not enough. With the rise of organised retail crime and shoplifting, every business needs private security solutions to protect its customers, staff and assets.

In this blog, we discuss how retailers can utilise safety measures and private security services in Hodge Hill to safeguard their businesses.

How Does Shoplifting Impact Hodge Hill Businesses?

Shoplifting is one of the fastest-growing threats facing businesses in Hodge Hill. According to the British Retail Consortium’s 2024 report, UK retailers lose over £2.2 billion annually due to stolen goods and related losses. Unsurprisingly, the amount spent on crime prevention is also costing retailers £1.2 billion on measures such as CCTV, anti-theft devices, and the deployment of security personnel. 

With economic uncertainty and increased operational and crime prevention costs, shoplifting poses a significant risk to retailers, potentially leading to the closure of their shops in the coming years. Financial losses are only part of the problem, but they also urge businesses to create a safe environment for customers and retail employees.

Recent Crime Trends near Hodge Hill

A prolific offender was jailed for 4.5 years after committing 15 burglaries and multiple thefts across Birmingham. While burglaries are down 20%, shop thefts are up 39%, showing businesses remain at risk. Additionally, a suspect was arrested for thefts worth £1,300, underscoring how even lower-value crimes can have a significant impact on businesses. 

Businesses in Birmingham face increasing risks. Discover which areas are most affected and how to protect your business in our latest blog: Top 10 Most Dangerous Areas in Birmingham.

How To Spot Potential Shoplifting Signs?

Be aware of common shoplifting tactics, as thieves continually employ these techniques to steal your goods. Knowing the following ploys and behaviours can help you protect your store.

1. Distraction

It is one of the common shoplifting tricks used during peak or busy business hours. One of the people distracts the staff, and another one steals the goods. 

2. Stashing and Layering

Shoplifters often conceal the stolen items in their clothes. They use purses, umbrellas, bulky outerwear, and other carry bags to steal the items.

3. Return Scams

This is a deceptive practice that occurs when a shoplifter returns stolen items from another shop with a fake receipt or a receipt stolen from another customer. 

Proactive Security Measures for Businesses in Rochdale

The following security measures help you secure your assets and protect your staff.

1. Active Customer Service

Greet the customers as soon as they enter your store. This not only makes them feel uncomfortable but also lets the potential shoplifter know they are noticed.

2. Train Your Staff

It is essential to share the shoplifting prevention and guidelines with your staff, so they are well-informed to prevent the crime. Always have enough staff members present during peak business hours, as well as at opening and closing times, as these periods are prone to shoplifting and robbery due to low staffing and a high amount of cash in the store. Train your staff to respond to suspicious behaviour, handling cash and panic buttons.

3. Regular Inventory Management

Instruct your staff to conduct regular and frequent inventory audits. This way, you can quickly identify the missing items and take proactive measures to address the theft.

4. Keep Your Store Tidy and Organised

Organise and keep your store inventory tidy to prevent shoplifting. Regularly arranging the stocks on shelves can help you identify the missing items. Also, use open layout, low shelving, and convex mirrors in corners to eliminate the hidden spots. Keep the high-stolen items in a locked display case or in a well-staffed area. Place the checkouts near the entrance or exit point that allows your staff to spot the shoplifting.

5. Install Security Cameras

A highly effective solution to mitigate shoplifting is installing security cameras and mirrors in the store. Security cameras help to deter shoplifting, identify suspicious persons and provide evidence of catching shoplifters. Anti-theft mirrors are excellent tools for reducing visibility of products and people in the store.

6. Manned Guarding Services

For retail businesses located in high-traffic or high-crime areas, a tactical security guard is a valuable asset. Partner with the professional security company in Birmingham to protect from retail crime. These guards are specially trained and use force to apprehend swiftly and stop thieves in action.

7. Alarm Response and Keyholding Services

The professional security service provider also offers alarm response and keyholding services to ensure rapid response after an alarm and reduce staff risks. 

8. Shoplifting and Prevention Measures

Using (EAS)Electronic Article Surveillance Tags is the best loss prevention strategy. It is a tiny device attached to clothing or valuable goods that acts as an electronic alarm trigger. 

9. Access Control Systems

Allow the staff to stock rooms or high-value merchandise areas with biometric access or coded locks.

10. Partnership with Local Police and Business Networks

Join the Birmingham police crime reduction partnerships to gain access to intelligence, alerts, and crime prevention strategies.

Why Businesses Need Private Security Services in Hodge Hill?

Shoplifting is a growing problem in Birmingham, particularly in areas such as Hodge Hill. For retailers and business owners, beyond the stolen goods, the safety of their staff and the confidence of their customers are at risk. Making proactive investments in professional security services in Birmingham can prevent substantial financial losses and overall instability. 

At Region Security Guarding, we offer a full range of retail security solutions to protect your business’s bottom line. 

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Business Security You Can Rely On

Trusted by leading businesses nationwide for reliable, 24/7 protection.

Contact Us Today

or call 0330 912 2033

We have used Region security for quite a while now. Top notch service, great guards and helpful staff. We love our guards and the team for all of their help / work. No need to try the other companies at all."

Andy Yeomans - Jones Skips Ltd

Great company, professional services, friendly guards and helpful at times when required."

Rob Pell - Site Manager

A professional and reliable service. Always easy to contact and has never let us down with cover. No hesitation in recommending and competitively priced also. After using an unreliable costly company for several years it is a pleasure to do business with Region Security"

Jane Meier - Manager

Region Security were very helpful in providing security for our building. We had overnight security for around 4 months. The guards themselves were professional, easy to reach and adapted very well to our specific needs. Would definitely recommend Region for security needs.

Lambert Smith Hampton

Great service. Reliable and professional and our lovely security guard Hussein was so helpful, friendly but assertive with patients when needed. He quickly became a part of our team and we would love to keep him! Will definitely use this company again

East Trees Health Centre

Fantastic Service from start to finish with helpful, polite accommodating staff, we have used Region Security a few times now and always been happy with what they provide.

Leah Ramsden - Manager