Should UK security guards have more power to stop crime, or does that create a different kind of risk?
A recent piece in The Sunday Times explored whether Spain’s tougher, more regulated approach to retail security could be the answer to the UK’s growing shoplifting crisis.
On paper, the contrast is clear.
In Spain, guards are highly trained, regulated by police, and have the authority to detain suspects.
In the UK, security is more limited, often focused on observation and deterrence. Plus our levels of training are much lower.
So the obvious question is… does more power equal better outcomes?
Not necessarily.
Despite stronger powers, Spain is still facing significant levels of retail theft.
Which highlights something important.
Security is not just about authority.
It is about how systems, people, and processes work together under real conditions.
In my experience, giving more power without the right structure, training, and oversight can introduce a different type of risk.
Escalation.
Inconsistency.
Liability.
Equally, having too little authority can leave teams exposed and ineffective.
The answer usually sits somewhere in the middle.
Clear frameworks.
Well-trained personnel.
Consistent enforcement.
And systems that are tested in real-world scenarios.
For retailers, business owners, and those responsible for protecting people and assets, this is not just a policy debate.
It is a practical risk question.
What level of control do you actually have?
And how confident are you that it would hold up under pressure?
Interested to hear your view on this.
Should the UK adopt a tougher security model like Spain, or is the issue less about power and more about how security is implemented?
Security #RiskManagement #Retail