Tis the Season for Shoplifting
As the Christmas lights go up, so does retail crime.
For supermarkets and high-footfall retailers, the festive season brings a surge in customers, chaos, and, increasingly, shoplifters. With staff stretched thin, shelves packed with high-value seasonal stock, and queues winding through the aisles, thieves see opportunity wrapped in tinsel.
It’s not just seasoned offenders. Social pressure, financial hardship, and increased temptation mean even first-time offenders are more likely to act. Add to that the rise of organised shoplifting gangs targeting multiple locations across the UK, and you’ve got the perfect storm.
Retailers often focus on customer experience and sales targets during Christmas, but if security doesn’t scale alongside footfall, loss prevention suffers. The result? Shrinkage that eats into profits, demoralises staff, and sometimes forces hard-working store teams to take the blame.
This guide is your Christmas security survival kit, packed with practical advice, expert insights, and both budget and premium solutions to keep your store secure this holiday season.
Let’s explore why retail theft spikes at Christmas, and how you can prevent it.
Why Shoplifting Surges at Christmas
The Christmas period isn’t just the busiest time of year for shoppers, it’s also the most attractive for thieves.
More people in-store means more distractions, more blind spots, and more excuses to act suspiciously without drawing attention. With staff pulled in every direction, from stock replenishment to customer service, shoplifters exploit the chaos.
It’s also a time when certain social and psychological factors come into play. Financial pressure, emotional stress, and festive temptation make some people act out of character. Others use the crowd to hide in plain sight.
Here’s a breakdown of why theft spikes in December compared to the rest of the year:
Christmas vs Non-Christmas Shoplifting Risk Factors
| Rank | Item | Why It’s Targeted |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bottles of spirits | High resale value, easy to conceal in coats or bags |
| 2 | Boxes of branded chocolates | Popular as gifts, easy to grab in bulk |
| 3 | Expensive meat | High value, minimal packaging, limited staff oversight |
| 4 | Baby formula | Always in demand, easy to resell online |
| 5 | High-end cosmetics/perfume | Small, valuable, often under-monitored |
| 6 | Branded coffee pods & tea tins | Compact, expensive, placed on open shelves |
| 7 | Electric toothbrushes/grooming sets | Gift appeal, often stored in seasonal displays |
| 8 | Energy drinks multipacks | Bulky but often ignored by staff |
| 9 | Gift sets & toiletries bundles | Typically stacked high in seasonal aisles |
| 10 | Cheese boards/deli items | High value per gram, often placed near exits |
Even if your store has strong loss prevention processes in place the rest of the year, Christmas demands a different level of preparation.
hat’s Really Being Stolen? Top Target Items at Christmas
Shoplifters don’t waste time browsing, they know exactly what they’re looking for. And at Christmas, retailers unintentionally make it easy by placing the most desirable items front and centre, stacked high, and sometimes with minimal supervision.
In December, theft shifts toward high-value, easy-to-resell, or quick-to-conceal items, especially those that are in high demand as gifts or for festive celebrations.
Here’s a breakdown of what gets stolen the most at Christmas:
Top 10 Most Commonly Stolen Supermarket Items at Christmas
| Rank | Item | Why It’s Targeted |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bottles of spirits | High resale value, easy to conceal in coats or bags |
| 2 | Boxes of branded chocolates | Popular as gifts, easy to grab in bulk |
| 3 | Expensive meat | High value, minimal packaging, limited staff oversight |
| 4 | Baby formula | Always in demand, easy to resell online |
| 5 | High-end cosmetics/perfume | Small, valuable, often under-monitored |
| 6 | Branded coffee pods & tea tins | Compact, expensive, placed on open shelves |
| 7 | Electric toothbrushes/grooming sets | Gift appeal, often stored in seasonal displays |
| 8 | Energy drinks multipacks | Bulky but often ignored by staff |
| 9 | Gift sets & toiletries bundles | Typically stacked high in seasonal aisles |
| 10 | Cheese boards/deli items | High value per gram, often placed near exits |
Many of these items are placed on promotional displays, end caps, or festive stands, prime spots for both impulse buying and quick theft.
The Hidden Cost of Christmas Theft
Most retailers calculate theft losses by looking at the cost of goods stolen, but that’s only the beginning. The true impact of shoplifting at Christmas runs much deeper, and its consequences often spill over into the new year.
Here’s what supermarket and retail managers should factor in when assessing the real cost of festive season theft:
The Hidden Costs of Shoplifting at Christmas
| Impact Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Lost Revenue | Direct cost of stolen stock, often high-margin seasonal items |
| Disrupted Trading | Store lockdowns or incident investigations causing delays or lost sales |
| Staff Morale & Fatigue | Confrontations and repeated incidents increase stress and turnover |
| Insurance Premiums | Repeat claims can drive up excess or result in higher renewals |
| Reputation Risk | Social media footage or negative reviews damage public trust |
| Shrinkage Misallocation | Missing stock may be wrongly blamed on staff |
| Customer Confidence | Visible shoplifting creates a sense of insecurity |
A Real-World Example:
A well-known UK supermarket chain faced over £5,000 in meat and spirits theft in December 2023 alone. After two viral videos showing shoplifters walking out unhindered, the store suffered a 15% drop in evening footfall in the new year due to perceived lack of safety, affecting genuine customer trust.
Read our article: How to prevent shoplifting in supermarkets
The key takeaway?
Theft costs more than just the item, it impacts morale, operations, reputation, and recovery.
Next up: Smart, low-cost ways to strengthen your theft prevention, including signage, layout changes, and staff refreshers.
Protect Your Store This Christmas – Before It’s Too Late
Don’t Let Shoplifters Steal Your Profits or Your Peace of Mind
The festive season should be your most profitable time of year, not your most vulnerable. At Leisure Guard Security, we specialise in retail protection that works quietly in the background while your team delivers exceptional service. Whether you need visible deterrents, discreet guards, or a full Christmas security strategy, we’re here to help.
Low-Cost Theft Prevention Tactics That Work
Not every store has the budget for advanced systems or extra staff over the Christmas period. But there are still plenty of effective, low-cost strategies you can implement right now that make a big difference in reducing theft, especially during the festive chaos.
These aren’t gimmicks. They’re proven retail techniques that leverage psychology, visibility, and smarter store management.
Affordable Theft Prevention Measures for the Christmas Period
| Tactic | Description |
|---|---|
| Visible Signage | Clear signs at entrances/aisles showing security presence and consequences |
| Mirror Placement | Use convex mirrors to eliminate blind spots and improve visibility |
| Seasonal Layout Strategy | Reposition high-risk items near staffed zones or cameras |
| Shift Briefings | Quick pre-shift reminders to keep awareness high |
| Dummy Boxes or Lock-ups | Display empty boxes for valuable items and store real stock securely |
| Basket & Bag Reminders | Use signs to remind customers of bag checks if needed |
| Loyalty Staff Presence | Have experienced team members float across high-risk areas |
Pro Tip: Simple acts like greeting customers, offering assistance, and making eye contact dramatically reduce theft attempts. It tells potential offenders: you’ve been noticed.
In the next section, we’ll look at manned guarding, and why it can be the smartest move you make this season.
These aren’t gimmicks. They’re proven retail techniques that leverage psychology, visibility, and smarter store management.
Why Manned Guarding Makes Sense at Christmas
When it comes to preventing shoplifting during the festive surge, nothing matches the real-time effectiveness of a trained, professional security presence.
While cameras record what’s already happened, manned guarding actively stops thefts in progress, and often prevents them from happening altogether.
Why Manned Guarding Is Especially Valuable at Christmas:
- Increased Deterrent Power
A visible officer at the entrance makes potential offenders think twice. It sets the tone: This store takes security seriously. - Support for Busy Staff
Security officers aren’t there to replace staff, they enhance them. They deal with suspicious behaviour, handle difficult customers, and provide backup when staff are overwhelmed. - Real-Time Incident Response
When things go wrong, you need someone who knows what to do right now, not just review footage later. Officers trained in de-escalation and conflict management can protect staff and customers while diffusing tense situations. - Flexible Coverage for Key Zones
Guards can rotate through seasonal hotspots, alcohol aisles, gift sets, self-checkouts, and exits, adapting their patrols to peak traffic times. - Customer Reassurance
A friendly but professional presence puts shoppers at ease, particularly during busy or stressful moments in the queue. The officer becomes a calm authority figure, not a barrier to fun.
Security Officers vs Cameras During Christmas
| Feature | CCTV System | Manned Guarding |
|---|---|---|
| Deters theft in real-time | ❌ | ✅ |
| Responds to live incidents | ❌ | ✅ |
| Supports customer service | ❌ | ✅ |
| Flexible positioning | ❌ | ✅ |
| Builds staff confidence | ❌ | ✅ |
| Visible deterrent | ✅ (mild) | ✅ (strong) |
In the same way your tills scale up at Christmas, your security must too. Manned guarding provides that scalable, human response.
Coming up next: How to spot a Christmas shoplifter, and train your staff to do the same.
How to Spot a Christmas Shoplifter
Shoplifters don’t wear signs, but they do display patterns, especially when navigating busy stores under pressure. Training your team to notice the subtle red flags can make all the difference in prevention.
During the festive period, identifying suspicious behaviour is trickier because the environment is hectic. That’s why having a quick-reference mental checklist is so valuable.
Red Flags That May Indicate Shoplifting
| Red Flag | What It Might Indicate |
|---|---|
| Carrying large bags or empty prams | Potential concealment of stolen goods |
| Wearing bulky or out-of-season clothing | Attempt to hide merchandise under clothing |
| Looking around nervously or scanning for cameras | Checking if the coast is clear before stealing |
| Frequent visits to high-theft areas | Assessing opportunities or stashing goods |
| Switching price tags or packaging | Attempting to deceive checkout staff or systems |
| Trying to avoid staff or cameras | Avoiding detection while committing theft |
| Unusual behaviour at self-checkouts | Scanning cheaper items, skipping scans, or using sleight-of-hand |
Staff Tip: It’s not about accusing people, it’s about observing patterns and engaging early. A friendly “Can I help you find anything?” is often enough to disrupt a theft in progress.
Pre-Shift Briefing Example:
During your Christmas trading period, run quick staff huddles with reminders like:
- “If something feels off, it probably is.”
- “Don’t hesitate to greet someone twice.”
- “Let security know if you spot anyone acting strangely, early notice helps.”
- “We’re here to serve customers and protect the store.”
Next up: Securing the self-checkouts, one of the biggest weak points during the Christmas rush.
Protecting Self-Checkouts During the Holiday Rush
Self-checkouts have become a customer favourite, especially during busy periods, but they’re also a prime target for festive theft. With staff spread thin and queues stretching long, shoplifters use the chaos to their advantage.
Whether it’s skipping scans, barcode swapping, or simply walking off, Christmas is peak season for self-checkout scams.
Common Self-Checkout Shoplifting Tactics at Christmas:
| Tactic | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Item Switching | Scanning a low-cost item while bagging a more expensive product |
| Barcode Tampering | Placing a cheaper barcode sticker over a high-value item |
| Partial Scanning | Only scanning some items while placing others in bags without paying |
| Bag Skip | Bypassing bagging area sensors to avoid detection of unpaid goods |
| False Rejection Claims | Pretending the machine didn’t scan or register payment to exit without paying |
| Sleeve Dropping | Sliding small items into clothing while appearing to use the self-checkout |
Simple But Effective Prevention Tips:
- Position staff within eyesight of checkouts
They don’t need to hover, just being visible works as a deterrent. - Use mirrored monitors
Show the customer’s own camera feed on screen, proven to reduce intentional theft. - Make subtle PA announcements
Examples:
“Reminder: CCTV is recording to ensure a smooth checkout experience.”
“Staff are on hand if you need help scanning any items.”
- Vary staff positions and timing
Shoplifters watch for predictable patrols. Keep movement fluid and random. - Install soft barriers or a short funnel route
This ensures customers naturally slow down and pass by staff after checkout.
Self-checkout doesn’t mean self-managed security. With a bit of oversight, you can turn a high-risk area into a low-hassle zone.
Up next: How to keep festive displays looking great, without becoming blind spots for theft.
Read our article about The Retail Security Ladder
Don’t Let Christmas Displays Create Blind Spots
Christmas displays are designed to grab attention, but they often do more than that. They unintentionally create visual and physical barriers that shoplifters can exploit to conceal their actions or exit unseen.
Stacked gift boxes, large cardboard arches, and decorative trees may look festive, but if not planned carefully, they can compromise your store’s visibility and create theft-friendly zones.
Common Display Mistakes That Aid Shoplifters
| Display Mistake | Why It Helps Shoplifters |
|---|---|
| Placing valuable items near exits | Makes it easier to grab and run without being noticed |
| Tall shelving with blocked visibility | Creates blind spots and reduces staff monitoring ability |
| Poor lighting in corners or back aisles | Encourages concealment and reduces camera effectiveness |
| Overcrowded displays | Makes it harder to notice missing items or tampering |
| Unattended promotional bins | Provides easy cover for concealment and theft |
| Lack of signage about surveillance | Fails to create a psychological deterrent |
Design Tip:
If your seasonal decor blocks a staff member’s ability to see the exit, the alcohol aisle, or the self-checkouts, it’s a security liability.
Practical Advice:
- Perform a walkthrough from various staff vantage points to identify blind spots.
- Ask your security officer or trusted staff member:
“If you were trying to steal from here, where would you hide?”
Up next: Internal theft, the uncomfortable but important conversation during peak season.
Protect Your Store This Christmas – Before It’s Too Late
Don’t Let Shoplifters Steal Your Profits or Your Peace of Mind
The festive season should be your most profitable time of year, not your most vulnerable. At Leisure Guard Security, we specialise in retail protection that works quietly in the background while your team delivers exceptional service. Whether you need visible deterrents, discreet guards, or a full Christmas security strategy, we’re here to help.
Internal Theft – The Elephant in the Room
While most shoplifting conversations focus on customers, the truth is clear: a significant portion of retail theft comes from inside the store.
During the Christmas period, stores often hire temporary staff, operate longer hours, and bring in new stock, all of which increase the risk of internal theft. It’s not always malicious, it could be unintentional stock mishandling, poor procedures, or a lack of clear accountability.
That said, theft by employees or contractors is still theft, and it hits just as hard, if not harder, because it erodes trust, damages morale, and is often harder to detect.
Key Risk Factors for Internal Theft at Christmas
| Risk Factor | Why It Increases Internal Theft Risk |
|---|---|
| Seasonal Staff with Limited Vetting | Temporary hires may not undergo full background checks |
| Busy Shifts and Overwhelmed Managers | Reduced oversight provides opportunities for theft |
| Relaxed Stockroom Access | More people accessing back-of-house areas without supervision |
| High-Value Seasonal Stock | Desirable products like alcohol, electronics, or gifts are tempting targets |
| Poor Bag Checks or Exit Procedures | Lack of exit checks makes it easier to remove stock undetected |
| Low Staff Morale or Financial Stress | Increased temptation to steal due to pressure or resentment |
Staff Culture Tip:
Most employees want to do the right thing. Make sure your policies and leadership support transparency, encourage anonymous reporting, and make everyone feel part of the loss prevention effort.
Holiday Inventory Handling Suggestions:
- Introduce “clear bag” policies for staff leaving with personal belongings.
- Rotate stockroom roles to avoid predictability.
- Conduct regular spot checks, not to punish, but to promote awareness.
Next: Let’s look at how to build a complete Christmas security strategy, and ensure everyone in the store is on the same page.
How to Plan a Christmas Security Strategy
Preventing retail theft at Christmas isn’t about reacting, it’s about planning. A proactive security strategy ties everything together: staff training, store layout, loss prevention tools, and, if needed, manned guarding.
Whether you’re a store manager or a head of operations, this section gives you a step-by-step framework to prepare your store, your people, and your profit margin for the holiday rush.
7-Point Christmas Security Plan
| Action Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Review Staffing Rota | Ensure adequate coverage during peak shopping times and rotate breaks |
| 2. Increase Visible Security | Deploy guards at entrances, exits, and near high-value sections |
| 3. Audit Store Layout | Eliminate blind spots, keep sight lines clear, and avoid clutter |
| 4. Refresh Staff Training | Conduct quick refresher sessions on shoplifting red flags and reporting protocols |
| 5. Boost Signage and Messaging | Display clear anti-theft signs and reinforce staff vigilance through posters |
| 6. Secure Stockrooms | Limit access, assign keyholders, and monitor with internal CCTV if possible |
| 7. Implement Real-Time Reporting | Use digital logs or security apps to report and escalate incidents instantly |
Bonus Tip: Assign a “Security Champion”
Designate one staff member per shift to be the point of contact for security awareness. They’re not replacing trained officers, just helping keep it top of mind.
This small role:
- Boosts team confidence
- Makes reporting smoother
- Reinforces a prevention culture
Internal Communication Templates:
Prepare mini signs or announcements to share across shifts:
“Reminder: We’ve seen increased theft attempts around alcohol and meat aisles. Stay alert and report anything suspicious to your supervisor.”
Coming up: When to call in the professionals, and how to tell if your store is a target.
When to Bring in the Professionals
Not every store needs manned guarding, but many underestimate just how valuable it can be during the Christmas period. If your store has experienced theft in the past, or you’re expecting extremely high footfall, a professional presence may be the missing link in your security strategy.
Hiring trained, SIA-licensed officers isn’t just about deterring thieves, it’s about empowering your team, protecting your brand, and creating a safer shopping environment for customers.
Signs Your Store Needs Extra Protection This Christmas
| Warning Sign | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| You’ve already had incidents this year | Past thefts suggest a vulnerability that could worsen during the holidays |
| Staff complain about being overwhelmed | Fewer eyes on the floor make it easier for thieves to act |
| Your layout has blind spots or poor visibility | Thieves exploit areas where staff and cameras can’t see |
| Stock shrinkage has increased in Q4 | Unexplained losses may be theft-related, internal or external |
| Self-checkout issues or errors are rising | May signal abuse of the system by dishonest customers |
| More footfall but fewer transactions | A potential sign of shoplifters blending in with shoppers |
Benefits of Manned Guarding During Peak Season:
- Acts as a visible deterrent to shoplifters and troublemakers
- Provides real-time incident management, reducing damage and disruption
- Supports your staff in high-pressure trading windows
- Builds customer confidence, especially in busy queues or self-checkout zones
- Enhances your insurance compliance and reduces premium risk
- Can be deployed flexibly, evenings, weekends, or temporary contracts
If your gut tells you Christmas is going to be hectic, don’t wait until the first theft happens. Prevention is always cheaper than recovery.
Next up: the final section, tying it all together and inviting action with a clear CTA.
Final Word – Christmas Can Be Secure and Festive
The holiday season should be your most profitable, joyful, and energised time of the year, but without proper security, it can quickly turn into your most stressful.
Shoplifting isn’t just about lost stock. It damages team morale, customer experience, your store’s reputation, and your ability to hit sales targets. Worse still, it tends to snowball. One successful theft often leads to more, especially when word gets around that your store is an easy target.
But the good news? Every measure you take, even the small ones, can have a powerful impact.
From low-cost signage and layout tweaks to manned guarding and proactive team training, Christmas security is an investment, not an expense. One that protects your people, your profit, and your peace of mind.
Final Thoughts:
- Theft is preventable.
- Staff can be empowered.
- Customers can feel safer.
- Sales can stay protected.
All it takes is a little planning, clear action, and the right security support when you need it most.
Need Extra Protection This Christmas? We’re Ready to Help
Stop theft before it starts, with expert, professional security that blends into your customer experience.
At Leisure Guard Security, we understand the chaos of the Christmas retail season, and how shoplifters take advantage of it. Our trained officers are more than a deterrent, they’re calm, capable, and brand-aware professionals who protect your stock, staff, and store.
Whether you need flexible coverage, temporary peak-period support, or a complete seasonal security plan, we’re here.
Let’s protect your profits, your people, and your peace of mind.
FAQ's How Hotels Reassure Guests After a Security Incident
Why does shoplifting increase during the Christmas period?
Shoplifting spikes at Christmas due to increased footfall, distracted staff, and the high availability of valuable seasonal stock. More customers means more opportunity for theft, especially in crowded stores where surveillance is harder. Additionally, economic pressures and the resale value of popular holiday items make theft more attractive to opportunists and organised crime groups alike.
What are the most commonly stolen items at Christmas?
High-theft Christmas items include electronics, cosmetics, alcohol, toys, chocolates, and branded gift sets. These products are often small, expensive, and easy to conceal, making them ideal targets for both casual shoplifters and professional thieves seeking to resell on the black market or online.
How can supermarkets prevent theft during busy periods like Christmas?
To prevent theft during peak periods, supermarkets should increase visible security presence, refresh staff training on theft indicators, optimise store layout to reduce blind spots, and implement signage to deter would-be thieves. Manned guarding, CCTV, and real-time reporting tools are vital layers of protection during the Christmas rush.
Does hiring manned security really reduce shoplifting incidents?
Yes, hiring manned security officers can significantly reduce shoplifting. A visible and professional guard acts as a strong deterrent and provides rapid response to suspicious activity. Trained security staff can also monitor self-checkout areas, high-value sections, and exits where most thefts occur.
What are the signs someone may be shoplifting in your store?
Common signs of shoplifting include:
Avoiding eye contact with staff
Carrying large bags or wearing oversized clothing
Loitering or frequently entering the store without purchasing
Looking around nervously or watching staff movements
Appearing overly interested in security cameras or staff patterns
These red flags are particularly important to watch for during the Christmas rush, when offenders may blend in with crowds.
Is internal theft more common at Christmas?
Yes, internal theft often rises at Christmas due to seasonal hires, reduced vetting, and overstretched management. With more staff handling stock and tills, and less supervision, dishonest employees may exploit the opportunity to steal. Retailers should increase oversight, perform bag checks, and restrict stockroom access during this period.
How do organised shoplifting gangs operate during the holidays?
Organised crime groups may use distraction tactics, coordinated entry, or flash mobs to overwhelm staff and steal large volumes of goods. Some thieves pose as regular customers, while others may use technology to disable tags or tamper with barcodes. Christmas is a prime time for such operations due to higher rewards and stretched store defences.
What kind of signage deters shoplifters most effectively?
Effective deterrent signage includes messages like “CCTV in operation,” “Shoplifters will be prosecuted,” or “Security personnel on site.” Signs placed at entrances, exits, and near high-value areas increase the psychological pressure on potential thieves. During Christmas, retailers can even include festive designs while keeping the message firm.
How can store layout influence theft prevention?
Poor layout—like tall shelving, dark corners, and cluttered displays—creates blind spots that shoplifters exploit. Good layout design for theft prevention includes:
Lower shelving for visibility
Mirrors or convex domes
Open sightlines from tills
High-value stock in monitored areas
Optimising layout during the Christmas season is crucial when stores are busy and aisles are fuller.
What security mistakes do retailers commonly make at Christmas?
Common errors include:
Relying solely on CCTV without physical deterrents
Placing valuable items near entrances
Understaffing due to budget constraints
Not training seasonal staff in theft prevention
Ignoring self-checkout manipulation
These oversights can lead to massive losses during the holidays.
How can self-checkout areas be better protected?
Retailers can protect self-checkout areas by:
Assigning a staff or security guard to oversee multiple kiosks
Installing AI-powered CCTV with item recognition
Displaying anti-theft signage
Restricting high-value items to staffed tills
Using weight-based verification systems
This is critical during Christmas when queues are long and theft attempts increase.
What should staff do if they suspect a shoplifter?
Staff should never directly confront suspected shoplifters unless trained to do so. Instead, they should:
Notify a supervisor or security officer
Keep the individual in sight discreetly
Log suspicious behaviour
Avoid escalation or accusation without evidence
At Christmas, when tensions run high, a calm and professional approach is essential.
Is retail theft usually prosecuted during Christmas?
Staff should never directly confront suspected shoplifters unless trained to do so. Instead, they should:
Notify a supervisor or security officer
Yes, especially if stores have clear CCTV evidence or the value stolen exceeds certain thresholds. However, some police forces are overwhelmed during the festive period, which can delay or reduce enforcement. This makes prevention through security presence and deterrents even more critical.
Log suspicious behaviour
Avoid escalation or accusation without evidence
At Christmas, when tensions run high, a calm and professional approach is essential.
How can retailers track shrinkage during Christmas?
Retailers should use inventory management software, daily stock checks, and real-time reporting tools to track shrinkage. Comparing stock movement against sales and monitoring returns can help spot patterns. Extra vigilance is required around fast-moving holiday stock that is prone to theft or misplacement.
What role does customer service play in shoplifting prevention?
Good customer service is one of the most effective non-confrontational deterrents. Greeting customers, offering assistance, and making staff visible on the shop floor signals awareness and reduces the opportunity for theft. At Christmas, helpful staff can both drive sales and deter dishonest behaviour.
