Store Detective - South London

Mitie Group plc.; Croydon; On-site; GBP 22,042,000 - 44,083,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform allowance

Flexible shifts

Training opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

Mitie Group plc. is seeking Store Detectives to join our retail security team in the South London area.

The role involves covert, plain-clothes surveillance to prevent shoplifting, protect assets and ensure a safe shopping environment for customers and staff. You will identify suspicious behaviour, gather evidence and work with store management and police as needed, requiring excellent observation, sound judgement and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Qualifications

• Valid Front Line SIA Door Supervisor or Security Guard Licence.
• Excellent observation and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Professional appearance and conduct.
• Ability to write accurate reports.
• Good decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexible to work retail hours, including weekends.
• Right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Conduct covert surveillance within the store to identify theft and dishonest activity.
• Detect and deter shoplifting while remaining discreet.
• Observe, monitor and accurately record suspicious behaviour.
• Carry out lawful and professional apprehensions where appropriate and in line with company procedures.
• Produce detailed and accurate incident reports.
• Complete all reports using company reporting systems.
• Recover stolen stock where possible.Work closely with store management and local police.
• Maintain a visible intelligence presence whilst remaining covert.
• Provide excellent customer service when required.
• Ensure all actions comply with company policies, ASCONE principles, the Criminal Law Act, PACE, Human Rights legislation and relevant use of force guidance.

Skills

SIA licence

Observation

Report writing

Communication

Calm under pressure

Decision making

Independence

Flexible hours

Right to work in UK

Tools

Auror

Job description

Location: Various Stores - South London
Hours: Full-Time / Part-Time / Flexible Shifts
Salary: £15.50 per hour

About the Role

We are looking for professional, observant and highly motivated Store Detectives to join our retail security team. This is a covert (plain clothes) role focused on preventing and detecting shoplifting, protecting company assets, and ensuring a safe shopping environment for customers and colleagues.

As a Store Detective, you will work discreetly within the store, identifying suspicious behaviour, gathering evidence, and working alongside store management and police where necessary. This role requires excellent observation skills, sound judgement, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct covert surveillance within the store to identify theft and dishonest activity.
• Detect and deter shoplifting while remaining discreet.
• Observe, monitor and accurately record suspicious behaviour.
• Carry out lawful and professional apprehensions where appropriate and in line with company procedures.
• Produce detailed and accurate incident reports.
• Complete all reports using company reporting systems.
• Recover stolen stock where possible.Work closely with store management and local police.
• Maintain a visible intelligence presence whilst remaining covert.
• Provide excellent customer service when required.
• Ensure all actions comply with company policies, ASCONE principles, the Criminal Law Act, PACE, Human Rights legislation and relevant use of force guidance.

What We're Looking ForEssential

• Valid Front Line SIA Door Supervisor or Security Guard Licence.
• Excellent observation and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Professional appearance and conduct.
• Ability to write accurate reports.
• Good decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexible to work retail hours, including weekends.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Previous Store Detective or Loss Prevention experience.
• Retail security experience.
• Knowledge of ASCONE and retail theft legislation.
• Experience using incident reporting systems such as Auror.
• First Aid qualification.

Personal Qualities

We're looking for individuals who are:

• Honest and trustworthy.
• Alert and observant.
• Confident but approachable.
• Professional at all times.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Excellent communicators.
• Team players with strong initiative.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Opportunity to work within one of the UK's leading retail security teams.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Uniform allowance (where applicable).
• Supportive management team.
• Flexible working patterns.

Important Information

This is a covert security role, meaning officers work in plain clothes and blend naturally with customers while carrying out surveillance duties. Successful applicants must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and excellent judgement at all times.

Due to the nature of the role, applicants will be subject to employment screening and must hold a valid SIA licence before commencing employment.