Season 1, Episode 14.

“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies and statistics” said the former UK Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli.

How do we know which sources of crime data are reliable and credible – and does it matter if they attract the desired attention to crime across the sector?

In this episode Emmeline outlines the ‘dark figure of crime’ and draws upon some examples of industry surveys that have been conducted to fill the gap between police recorded crime figures and actual rates of crime. The episode ends with 6 key takeaways on how to use, interpret, and advance the data pool that the industry relies on.

Season 1, Episode 13.

Farrah McNutt is an inspiring entrepreneur and founder of Catch a Thief.

Her company uses a mix of methods to identify repeat offenders and build evidence. As a former shoplifter in her teenage years, she brings real world experience on tackling retail crime. In this episode Emmeline and Farrah talk about the latest retail crime trends, the importance of tech solutions, and a shared love of curry!

Season 1, Episode 12.

How to campaign for legislative change

Emmeline is in conversation with Paul Gerrard, Campaigns and Public Affairs Director for the Co-op Group, about the pioneering campaign work under the Safer Colleagues, Safer Communities initiative – this is how you drive meaningful change! The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, owned by millions of members. It is the UK’s fifth biggest food retailer with more than 2,500 local, convenience and medium-sized stores.

Episode 1, Episode 11.

…In conversation with a prolific female shoplifting offender

In this episode Emmeline explores the notion that theft has been decriminalised in the UK. The official figures do not make for a palatable listen. Emmeline outlines why now is the time to act to turn the tide on the shoplifting epidemic. To understand the importance of early intervention in what might be considered ‘petty theft’ as someone starts their offending career, she talks to a former prolific offender about her experiences from having a full-time job at a top hairdressing salon to a life of crime and addiction.

Episode 1, Episode 10.

Stewart Farrell; Head of Retail Loss Prevention at Next

In this episode of Retail Crime Uncovered Emmeline catches up with Stewart Farrell, Head of Retail Loss Prevention at Next, to check in on how the busy run up to Christmas went in terms of sales and losses. Stewart talks about some of the innovations and solutions at Next that are helping them to better track product and protect from theft and fraud. As one of the contributors to Operation Pegasus we hear about the importance of collaboration across the industry, and importantly, what’s behind the door at 10 Downing Street!

Season 1, Episode 9.

In this week’s episode Emmeline talks to Trahern Pollard who is the Founder and CEO of We Push for Peace. The nonprofit organisation provides Community Outreach guards in place of traditional security, to not only create jobs, but more importantly, to change the way people think about community engagement, relationships, and opportunity. Trahern’s hard work and innovation has seen his organisation partner with major household names such as Whole Foods in several US cities including Chicago, Detroit and New York. It’s also taken him to the White House on multiple occasions. If there is someone who understands the importance of people when it comes to safety and security, it’s Trahern.

Season 1, Episode 8.

This week Emmeline catches up with the immensely knowledgeable Sarah Bird, General Manager of the National Business Crime Solution (NBCS). Sarah tells us about the work that the non-profit organisation does to gather intelligence on serious and networked acquisitive criminals, including the high profile case of Nina Tiara who made £500k through refund frauds.

Season 1, Episode 7.

Emmeline talks to Jamie Barnes, Operations Manager at Fresh Start Future Enterprises. After a troubled childhood, Jamie was a prolific offender who was in and out of custody for 12 years. He admits to stealing ‘consistently throughout the day’ to fund his £500 a day drug habit. Jamie outlines how theft is a gateway crime and explains the stolen goods market, amongst lots of other fascinating insights. Jamie now works to support people coming out of prison to transition into a crime-free and productive life. You can find out more about Fresh Start Future Enterprises at www.fsfe.co.uk.

Season 1, Episode 6.

Professor Adrian Beck on Rising Theft, Retail Loss, and the Future of SCO

In this episode, Emmeline talks to retail crime guru, Professor Adrian Beck, who has over 30 years experience researching and consulting on retail crime, security and loss. In a week that has seen one British supermarket announce it’s giving up on self-service machines (“rather than artificial intelligence, we’re going for actual intelligence”) and the Chairman of Marks and Spencer stating that the middle classes are increasingly stealing when using SCO, Emmeline and Adrian discuss the effectiveness, efficiency and losses associated with self-service across the industry.

Season 1, Episode 5.

As part of Respect for Shopworkers Week, Emmeline spoke to employees working in grocery stores across the UK.
They speak frankly about the challenges and impact of prolific shoplifters, violence and abuse that is sadly a reality for many shop staff, particularly those working in city-centre locations. The interviewees bring to life the shoplifting ‘epidemic’, and highlight issues relating to criminal exploitation, the brazen market for stolen goods and, of course, the police response.

Season 1, Episode 4.

In Episode 4, Emmeline is talking with retail crime expert Lisa LaBruno, RILA’s Senior Executive Vice President of Retail Operations about a new programme called Vibrant Communities. Lisa also discusses Buy Safe America and the Inform Act – so much to learn from a fountain of USA retail crime knowledge!

Season 1, Episode 3.

In this incredibly powerful episode, Emmeline is in conversation with two prolific shop thieves. They talk candidly about their lives and experiences, including their pathways into crime, what they would steal, who they sell on to, experiences of prison and the criminal justice system, as well as their ongoing journey towards rehabilitation.