to wonder what shop security guards are actually there for?

[catchingup1]

I go to Tesco Express most days, as usual people were just casually taking stuff and walking out. Not even trying to hide it.

The security guard wasn’t even watching the shop floor. He was stacking shelves and then helping people at the self-checkouts.

I do understand they’re not allowed to physically stop anyone. But if that’s the case, what are they actually there for? Because it doesn’t feel like there’s any deterrent at all anymore. The people stealing know nothing will happen.

Meanwhile everything’s getting more expensive.

AIBU to think if they’re not keeping an eye on things, there’s not much point in having them there?

Not saying this is the case in every shop.

I'll be honest, I previously thought they were sod all use tbh, with the constraints you've mentioned...

However since my shop got security about 3 weeks ago the drop in shoplifting and anti social behaviour has been....nothing short of phenomenal compared to how it was previously 😱 genuinely we used to have probably 50+ incidents a day and since we've had security I don't actually think we have had any successful attempts 😳 tbh the fa t we even have security (and that these specific security firm have previously worked in ten city centered so the local lowlifes know them and avoid them) has been a huge deterrent in itself.

And honestly I now, for the first time since COVID ACTUALLY feel safe at work. It's a sad state we had to get to this pint though