The holiday shopping season is fast approaching. Large and small retailers are bracing for the inevitable increase in shoplifting that comes with the season. Prepare now to reduce retail theft by hiring security guards to safeguard customers and store contents.

Retail Theft On The Rise. According to a 2025 National Retail Federation survey, retailers experienced a 19% increase in external shoplifting and merchandise theft incidents from 2023 to 2024. The holidays are when retail theft levels are at their highest, as holiday crowds and understaffing make stores easy targets.

Almost half of the retailers who responded to the survey said they saw an increase in violence associated with theft.

Because of the fear of violence and harm to employees and customers, many retailers don’t approach or try to stop criminals. Security guards, trained to spot retail theft, are the individuals most qualified to step in.

Security guards are stationed at exits and around merchandise most targeted by thieves. Store security cameras, monitored in real-time, complement in-store security guards.

Access Patrol Services (APS) provides state-licensed security guards experienced in retail store security. For more about  APS security guard services, call 866-770-0004 or go to https://accesspatrolservice.com.