đď¸ Shop Staff Safety Guide (for Hastings BCRP members)
Staying Safe & Reporting Crime in Hastings
1. Be Aware and Stay Alert
- Always look alert and confident when arriving at and working in the store â offenders are less likely to target staff who appear aware.
- Know your exits and keep them clear in case you need to leave quickly.
- Report broken locks, lights or CCTV faults to your manager so they can escalate through Hastings BCRPâs network.
- Avoid using your phone or wearing headphones when working alone or in quieter areas.
2. Spotting Suspicious Behaviour
Watch for:
- People loitering or taking photos of entrances, theft-sensitive areas, or staff.
- Shoppers who conceal items, behave nervously, or seem to be working in pairs.
- Anyone hiding their face, changing direction suddenly, or acting unusually.
If you see something odd â trust your instincts. Let your manager know and if the incident is urgent, report immediately.
3. When Facing Aggression or Theft
- Stay calm. Donât engage in confrontation or try to physically stop a suspected thief.
- Your safety comes first â the storeâs stock and premises can be replaced; you cannot be replaced.
- If safe, note key details: suspectâs appearance, clothing, direction of travel, vehicle registration if visible.
- After the event, write down what happened as soon as practicable.
- If you feel threatened, alert another member of staff or contact colleagues via the Hastings BCRP radio network if available.
4. Lone Working (e.g., Opening/Closing)
If youâre on your own (especially early morning or late night):
- Let someone know your schedule and expected finish time.
- Keep external doors locked until youâre ready to serve customers.
- Donât allow anyone to enter the store after hours unless you are certain of who they are and why they are there.
- Keep your mobile phone charged, easily accessible, and ensure you know how to contact your manager or Hastings BCRP support.
5. Delivery and Vehicle Safety
- When loading/unloading, lock the vehicle cab and secure any keys.
- Never leave your vehicle or keys unattended in a vulnerable position.
- If you notice anyone acting suspiciously around delivery zones or store vehicles, report this via your manager or into the Hastings BCRP network.
- For immediate danger, call 999; for non-urgent issues, report using your local policing channels.
6. Reporting Incidents
Always report:
- Shoplifting, theft, or attempted theft.
- Verbal abuse, threats, physical assault.
- Hate-related remarks or behaviour.
- Damage to property, vandalism, or suspicious activity around your premises.
How to report via Hastings BCRP scheme:
- Inform your manager or designated staff member immediately.
- For urgent danger: Call 999.
- For non-emergency: Speak to your manager to use the Hastings BCRP incident reporting procedures (via their portal or radio network) and also report to the local policing team as appropriate.
- Provide as much detail as you can:
- What happened and when.
- Who was involved (name if known, description).
- What was taken, damaged or attempted.
- Whether there is CCTV footage, witness(es), or radio alert details.
7. After a Crime or Incident
- It is normal to feel shaken â speak to your manager about any immediate support you need.
- If you are required to give a witness statement, you may be asked by police or via Hastings BCRP.
- Ask your manager if your business participates in the âImpact Statement for Businessâ process (through Hastings BCRP) if the crime has significantly affected your operations.
8. Support and Resources
- As a member of the Hastings BCRP scheme, your business accesses the collective support, intelligence sharing and training tools provided by the partnership. (bcrphastings.com)
- If you need additional support or feel vulnerable: speak to your manager, contact Hastings BCRP, or use victim support services in the local area.
- Remember: Youâre part of a wider network â reporting and being vigilant helps keep everyone safer.
