The Security Industry Federation is deeply concerned by the growing level of shoplifting, violence and confusion facing security workers in retail settings across the UK.

Security workers are being left in an impossible position. Many are expected to deter theft, protect staff and reassure the public, yet are often told by employers and clients not to physically intervene, not to stop offenders and not to do the very things many people assume they are there to do. At the same time, some supermarket bosses are now publicly suggesting that security workers should be equipped with batons and pepper spray.

Let us be clear. Arming security workers without the right legal protections, proper training, meaningful employer backing and regulatory clarity would be reckless. It would create even more risk in an already confused and inconsistent system.

Across the UK there is no joined up approach between the SIA, security employers, clients and the wider justice system. Security workers moving between different stores and contracts are often expected to work to different rules in different places. In one site they may be told to observe and report only. In another they may be expected to stop and detain offenders. In another they may face disciplinary action for trying to intervene at all.

This is unfair on workers, unsafe for the public and completely unacceptable in a profession that plays such an important role in keeping people safe.

The Security Industry Federation is now writing to supermarkets across the UK to push for a joined up approach and to ensure clear and consistent instructions are put in place across the board. Security workers cannot continue carrying all of the personal and professional risk while others avoid responsibility.

Until that happens, our message to security workers in retail settings is simple. Watch, report and be an expert witness for police. Do not put yourselves in harm’s way for those who may not support you afterwards. We know that goes against the instincts and principles of many good security professionals, but someone else’s stock is not more important than your safety, your career or your licence.

We need clear national guidance on lawful intervention, better and more realistic training, proper support for workers who act in good faith, and an end to policies that leave officers exposed to violence while punishing them for trying to do their job.

Security workers deserve clarity. They deserve consistency. Most of all, they deserve support.