Blog: How data protection law can help retailers tackle shoplifting

Summary:

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has released a blog post by Melissa Mathieson, Director of Regulatory Policy Projects, highlighting the importance of data protection in the retail sector. As shoplifting rates increase by 27% in ten of the largest cities in the UK, retailers are increasingly turning to technology to protect their businesses. The ICO emphasizes that while sharing criminal offence data is allowed under data protection law, it must be done in a necessary and proportionate manner. The blog post provides guidance on when sharing suspect or criminal details may be appropriate, including sharing with the police, store managers, and security guards. Conversely, sharing information through social media, staff rooms, and local businesses may not be appropriate. The ICO offers resources and guidance for retailers to adopt a data protection by design approach and encourages those who need help to use or share information to prevent or detect crime to find guidance on their website or contact them for advice.