“Don’t let the profits walk out of the door.”

The stark – but timely – warning from Richard Hutley.

There are now just 100 days to Christmas Day with supermarkets leading the way in starting to stock seasonal goodies.

For ex-policeman Richard, who spent just under 31 years with Dorset Police, the time of year is fast approaching when retailers have to be particularly vigilant.

He said: “In the run-up to Christmas, shops become very popular targets because there’s lots of goodies and displays for the opportunist.

“It’s a seasonal demand to buy something and a seasonal demand for shoplifting.

“They are always going to go for things where they can make a quick buck such as expensive cheeses, meats and chocolates.

“If you have alcohol then make sure you have it tagged and have you created blindspots in your shop?

“Are there alarm towers outside the toilets because otherwise they’ll go in there, remove the tags and hide the goods?

“This year, probably more than ever, you’re going to see targeted crime, as well as the opportunist at work.”

In 2017, and two years after retiring from the police on a full pension as a uniformed inspector, Richard founded ASR (Alternative Security Resource) Dorset.

An independent SIA (Security Industry Authority) security operative, his services include presentations to retailers and other companies on beating the thieves, tapping into his decades of police experience.

Richard, who was the fourth generation of his family to join the police, said: “What I see is more and more people employed in security with no skills.

“A lot don’t have the training to do the job properly.

“Some places have reduced their security presence because business costs are increasing and they want to save money.

“That’s very short-sighted.

“As I say: ‘Don’t let the profits walk out of the door’.

“People come into security work but often have no idea about how the crook works, their body language, what their powers are and the processes that follow.

“It’s being a deterrent and how you present yourself.

“You’re open, friendly and approachable but, equally, you’re there to make sure that if you have to challenge or confront someone then you can do it.

“My presentations are aimed at all the staff, not just those working in security.

“While they’re doing their normal housekeeping in the store, such as filling shelves and tidying up, they need to look at customers and perhaps think, that doesn’t look right.

“A lot of good shop assistants are already switched on but don’t know what to do next.

“Nobody has got the confidence to go up and say: ‘I think it’s time you left the shop now.’

“If you’ve got stores with staff that aren’t particularly clicked into what to look for, perhaps don’t have the background knowledge about some of the signs, then you lay yourself vulnerable.”

Richard, who also works as a self-employed Funeral Assistant and is heavily in demand as a public speaker, said there was now a culture in society where people think they have certain rights but – in reality – they don’t.

He said: “When a shop is open for business there’s an implied invitation that people can come in.

“That’s correct, until that invitation is withdrawn.

“As soon as you withdraw it they are no longer there legitimately but are a trespasser and can be removed.

“I never ask people to move, they’re directed to move.

“I’m always respectful but say: ‘I’m telling you, you will now leave’.

“Retailers really need to look at how they minimise stock loss, give staff the confidence to be able to help prevent stuff walking out of the door and, equally, make sure they’re not exposing staff to an unnecessary risk.”

Richard, 59, lives in Ferndown and is married to Tricia with four children and five grandchildren.

Other services offered by ASR including taking statements and collecting evidence for handing over to the police.

He said: “Rather than backing off with your security you have to be more proactive and smarter.

“Look at the quality of the security you’ve got and then give them the support, the confidence and the backing they require.

“This year we’re likely to see more shop thefts than ever.

“Make sure you do your bit to help prevent them.”

• asrdorset.com