1. Introduction of Lone Working into a
Retail enviroment
Rory Russell
Loss Prevention

2. Agenda
• Introduction
• Risks of Lone Working within Retail
• Trials and selection process
• Lone Worker protection device
• Challenges
• Roll out process

3. I have worked in the retail sector for 25 years as a Loss Prevention / Security
expert.
My responsibilities are the protection of;
• Employees
• Customers
• Company money
• Property
• Assets
To ensure these requirements are fulfilled I work closely with Health and
Safety. 18 months ago I was tasked with sourcing a device to;
• Minimise risk to staff such as violence / verbal aggression etc.
• Help manage accidental injuries
• Reduce staffing costs during mornings and evenings
Introduction

4. Risks of Lone Working within Retail
• Assault
• Robberies during the day
• Deliveries (opening back doors)
• Staff being stalked by customers at or travelling to and from
work
• Dealing with unforeseen incidents
• Arson , verbal abuse, criminal damage

5. Risks of Lone Working within Retail
• Slips, trips, falls
• Known or unknown medical conditions

6. Selection requirement
• Police Approved through ACPO
Secured By Design
• Direct link to BS5979 Cat II ARC
(Alarm Receiving Centre)
• Cost per year
Trial requirement
• Contains mobile phone (GSM/GPRS) technology
• Automatic ‘Man Down’ alarm
• Ability to leave a message with the ARC
• GPS enabled
• Red Alert function
• Audio Recording technology
• Transparent Customer support

7. 5 devices
reviewed
2 devices
Trialled
over 3
months
1 device
selected
role out
2014
Other trial requirements:
• Easy to use registration process
• User friendly, when activating device
• Battery Life

8. Benefits of a device based solution
• Enables Audio recording which can be used in court
• Emergency response using URN to location (GPS)
with on-going commentary
• Reduction payroll hours 2 hours each morning 1 hour
each evening 7 days each week 40 weeks a year
• Peace of mind for staff

9. Challenges
• Staff not using the Identicom device correctly
• Staff reluctant to use device
• Maintaining personal information
• Roll out to around 200 of the 285 stores.

10. Points to note
• Customer support from SoloProtect
• Professionalism of monitoring centre when dealing
with staff in stores
• Regular updates of personal information every 3 -6
months
• Monthly reports on activations/usage etc

11. Questions