Store detective

Store detectives use plain-clothes surveillance to stop people stealing from shops. They detain suspects, gather evidence and keep records. They sometimes give evidence in court.

Work activities

Store detectives work in supermarkets, department stores and shopping centres. They watch for people trying to steal from the shop. They wear plain clothes so that they blend in with other shoppers. They walk round the store or they use closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitors. When they spot someone acting suspiciously, they watch them closely to see if they try to take goods without paying. The store detective has to see the person choose the item, hide it and then leave the shop. Sometimes the store detective has to follow the suspect, unseen, while they visit different departments in the shop. The detective watches carefully to see if the suspect passes goods on to another person. Store detectives might follow the person outside and stop them, or they might use a two-way radio to alert uniformed security guards at the entrance to the shop.

When the store detective stops a suspect, they can ask to see inside the person’s bags, and can ask the person to come back into the store, usually to a private office. If goods are found and the person does not have receipts, the store detective can call the police. They have to make sure that they stay within the law themselves and can only search the suspect with permission. If the person refuses, the store detective can make a citizen’s arrest and wait for the police. Store detectives have to make sure of their own safety while they are with a suspect. Store detectives have to keep detailed notes about what has happened and might need to give evidence in court. They need to keep any video evidence from the CCTV. Store detectives need to pass the items found on the suspect to the police as evidence, especially if they still have an electronic security tag attached to them. Sometimes, store detectives have to watch out for theft by employees of the shop. They might have to carry out surveillance in stock rooms and staff rest rooms, as well as in the shop. They might have to pretend to be a customer and pay for goods to check that the salesperson follows all the correct procedures. Most store detectives travel round from store to store so they are not recognised by staff or customers. Sometimes, store detectives work with retail managers to improve the layout of the store, so that shoplifting can be reduced.

Personal qualities and skills

As a store detective, you’ll need to be:

Observant and alert.
Responsible and confident.
Able to blend in with other shoppers.
Discreet, tactful, honest and reliable.
Able to keep calm when people are angry or upset, and able to defuse an aggressive situation.
Prepared to work evenings and weekends, when the store is open.
Able to follow procedures.
Able to work both on your own and in a team.

You should have:

An eye for detail.
An enquiring mind.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
A reasonable level of fitness, as you’ll be on your feet a lot of the time.
The ability to work with technical surveillance equipment, for example, CCTV.
Store detectives who travel around from store to store need to be able to drive.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates vary with the employer, area of the country and range of responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. Store detectives earn in the range of £17,000 a year. Supervisory staff can make up to £26,500.

Store detectives work regular store opening hours, normally between 8.30am and 6pm. However, early starts, late finishes, weekend work and work on public holidays could be required. Flexible ways of working including part-time, term-time and shift work might be available.

Employers include the major retail chains, shopping centre management companies and security firms contracted to provide store detective services to a retailer. Opportunities for store detectives occur in towns and cities throughout the country.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

The minimum age for entry to this career is 18. Employers often carry out either a five-year or ten-year history check. Store detectives working under contract need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) in the same way as contracted security guards. If you use closed-circuit television (CCTV) as part of your duties, you might also need to hold an SIA CCTV operator licence. To obtain an SIA licence, you must take approved training, obtain a recognised qualification and pass an identity and criminal records check. An SIA licence is issued for three years.

The SIA endorses awarding bodies that offer qualifications and approve trainers. The SIA has a list of training providers approved by the awarding bodies to offer the level 2 award in security guarding. This is needed in order to gain a licence. The SIA also carries out identity and criminal record checks. The training covers three units, with three multiple-choice tests. Topics covered include:

Patrolling and searching.
Customer care and communication skills.
Law relating to the private security industry.
Dealing with incidents and emergencies.
Reporting and record keeping.
Health and safety (and fire safety).
Conflict management.

It might be possible to work towards a certificate in providing security services at level 2.

Store detectives can progress to team leader, supervisor and manager posts.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: Working as a store detective under contract is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to. Not all criminal records will prevent you from applying for an SIA licence. If you have a criminal record, the SIA will look at how recent, how serious and how relevant the record is. The SIA has a Criminal Record Indicator on its website where you can check anonymously whether you would be eligible for an SIA licence.

Qualifications

There are no minimum entry requirements, but many employers look for basic skills in English and maths. Some employers might prefer entrants to have some GCSEs. A relevant work-related qualification, such as an Edexcel (BTEC) level 2 First qualification, might be accepted for entry.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. Applicants must be over 18 years of age to hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

Store detectives come from every type of background. Some entrants have developed skills by working in police, military, or other security jobs.

Relevant short, attended courses lead to SIA licensing. A list of training providers is available from the SIA website.

Related careers

CCTV operator
Police community support officer
Police officer
Private investigator
Security guard