Volunteer groups of convicted shoplifters are being used by researchers to identify security weaknesses in stores.
Crime experts at the University of Leicester sent the potential thieves to a variety of shops armed with tiny, covert cameras, and they were successful in stealing valuable items that could be hidden easily and then sold on.
Researchers then watched the hidden camera footage, as the thief talked them through the act.
The results showed that professional shoplifters are often undeterred by CCTV, because they are aware the cameras are often not monitored. The thieves also found out within minutes where the CCTV blindspots are.
Researchers discovered the best way to deter known shoplifters was for staff to say 'hello' to them as they entered the shop, to let them know they had been spotted.
- Oxford Street's Crime Reduction Partnership, Streeteye, is co-ordinating 13 London boroughs, to form the London Business Crime Partnership. Its purpose will be 'allowing more focused targeting of persistent and prolific offenders.
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