Do you want to become a Store Detective? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
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Store detectives work to prevent and detect theft in shops. Unlike security officers, they wear plain clothes, as they work undercover. The work can involve:
Store detectives generally work 40 hours a week, during shopping hours. They may work shifts, depending on the opening hours of the store. Detectives are generally based inside shops. The work involves a lot of standing and walking.
Salaries range from around £12,000 to £25,000 a year.
Store detectives should be:
There are around 600,000 store detectives working in the UK. There are opportunities throughout the country, mainly in towns and cities. Store detectives may be employed by the store in which they work, or by a security firm on a contract basis. They can also work for agencies.
There are no formal entry requirements, but detectives must have good spoken and written English. Employers will check applicants' personal and work history. Entrants are usually adults. Experience in the police, fire or prison services, security companies or the Armed Forces is useful. Experience in the retail sector is also beneficial.
Training is normally provided by employers. Entrants may attend courses or learn on the job from experienced detectives. The Security Industry Training Organisation runs a distance-learning course in store detection.
Store detectives may be promoted to supervisory and managerial roles. It is also possible to become self-employed.
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