Story Highlight
– 38 raids reported against UK watch and jewellery retailers.
– Over £4 million in valuables stolen from retailers.
– 22 incidents involved weapons; more armed robberies expected.
– RAID training expanded for broader retail sector access.
– Training focuses on security, situational awareness, and incident management.
Full Story
Between January and August this year, 38 robbery incidents targeting watch and jewellery retailers in the UK were documented, resulting in over £4 million worth of stolen items. This alarming data was released by UK Protection, referencing findings from SaferGems. Notably, 22 of these incidents involved weapons, a stark contrast to the total of 22 reported robberies for all of 2025, of which just six were armed.
In response to rising security concerns, UK Protection is broadening its RAID training programme, which was initially designed for luxury retailers, to a wider audience in anticipation of the bustling Christmas shopping season. This period typically sees an increase in stock levels and foot traffic, which can heighten security risks for retailers.
The RAID training equips retail staff with essential strategies for managing high-pressure scenarios, such as armed robberies and smash-and-grab thefts, with a focus on safeguarding both employees and shoppers. Participants learn about situational awareness, recognizing suspicious behaviour, effective communication, decision-making under duress, and the methods employed by organised criminals.
Additional topics include recognising signs of potential attacks, understanding common criminal transport methods, and maintaining robust communication during emergencies. The programme also delves into distraction techniques, fraud targeting vulnerable individuals, and organisational intelligence gathering, alongside post-incident protocols.
Andy Fairbanks, the CEO of UK Protection Ltd, stated: “Today, the question is not if, but when a raid, robbery, or theft will take place. Organised criminals look for weaknesses… Your responsibility as a retailer is to become the hard target, pushing determined criminals elsewhere.”
Fairbanks added that businesses equipped with well-trained staff and a proactive security approach pose a deterrent to criminal gangs. The RAID training not only enhances employee preparedness but also boosts incident reporting, increases staff confidence, and, importantly, improves customer safety while protecting valuable assets and company reputation.
Covering a broad spectrum of organised retail crime—including armed robbery and sophisticated thefts—the RAID courses are taught by instructors with practical experience in frontline operations, including former police officers, military experts, and security professionals. The curriculum draws on extensive knowledge in retail security, intelligence gathering, investigations, and risk management, emphasising practical skills informed by real-life events.
As the crucial holiday season approaches, UK Protection is extending its RAID training to a diverse range of retail personnel, such as store managers, sales staff, and corporate security teams. Retailers interested in participating can reach UK Protection via telephone or email.
