-optimized.jpg){kind=avatar}
Christmas shoppers should beware of pickpocketing on high streets and in shopping areas, says a contract security company. Kingdom Security is encouraging shoppers to be mindful of their belongings and report any suspicious activity.
According to the Crime Survey in England and Wales, between June 2023 and June 2024, there was an estimated 2.8 million incidents of theft offences. Kingdom Security anticipates that theft rates may spike this December as crowds gather to shop and celebrate the festive season. John Nussbaum, Director of Service (Retail) at the firm, says: โAt Kingdom, weโre advising holiday shoppers to be especially cautious this festive season, as the bustling crowds provide an ideal environment for pickpockets. Retail staff are already under immense pressure at this time of year, and unfortunately, organised pickpocketing often intensifies with the increased footfall.โ
Kingdom is a member of the ACS Pacesetters group of high-scoring Security Industry Authority approved contractors. The Newton-le-Willows-based company says that it’s working with retailers on preventive measures and security in high-risk areas. John notes that well-trained security personnel can act as a deterrent, helping to reduce the risk of theft by monitoring crowds for suspicious behaviour. The company has deployed specialised retail and street patrol teams trained to identify potential threats in busy areas such as Christmas markets, which can be particularly vulnerable due to their temporary setups and dense visitor traffic.
John adds: โNationwide, weโre seeing a clear uptick in organised pickpocketing activity during the holiday period, and we strongly support retailers in taking proactive security measures to counter this issue. Having skilled security personnel is essential for protecting the public during this busy season.โ
Kingdom also stresses that public awareness is crucial in preventing theft. John appeals to shoppers to be extra vigilant and to notify authorities if they spot anything suspicious: โDuring this season, we ask the public to be our eyes and ears. Increased awareness could be critical in preventing theft and ensuring that more people enjoy the festive period without incident. If you notice anything unusual, please report it immediately to the police or relevant security personnel.โ
Visit www.kingdom.co.uk.
Photo by Mark Rowe: Manchester city centre.
