As we reflect on the security challenges businesses have faced in 2024, one thing becomes clear. Resilience, innovation, and adaptability have never been more crucial. The year has presented challenges across the board - from rising violence in retail to the fall-out impact of international conflict on logistics and distribution. To shed light on these trends and explore what lies ahead, we sat down to review 2024 and what we can expect to see in 2025.
Looking back at 2024, what were the key challenges that the security sector faced?
It’s been a turbulent year, to say the least. A significant challenge in the retail sector is the ongoing surge in violence and abuse directed at staff. By February, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported an average of 1,306 incidents a day. This number may now be even higher. Alongside this, shoplifting offences have soared to their highest levels in 20 years. This has made it difficult for businesses to maintain a safe environment for their employees and customers.
The hospitality industry is seeing challenges with violence in a different way, as it’s at the forefront of battling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The current government has pledged to halve this in the next decade, and the industry’s in a unique position to support this. Venue staff and door supervisors are well-placed to identify cases of spiking, harassment and assault.
This year, we’ve seen the launch of a new online reporting tool for spiking, intended to provide a co-ordinated response. There are further legislative changes in the pipeline around spiking, which will continue to progress next year. There’s also an ongoing emphasis on training staff to identify and support people in vulnerable situations.
Then, in the logistics and distribution sector, there’s an emerging threat from international conflicts—particularly the Russia-Ukraine war. Two UK warehouse fires have made the news this year. One site was targeted by arson, the other was where a parcel containing hidden explosives caught fire. Both are thought to be linked to Russia. The consequences could have been much more severe, and show the need for the security industry to be more agile and aware than ever before.
How has Cobac Security responded to these challenges, and how are you helping businesses adapt to the evolving security landscape?
At Cobac Security, we’ve always promoted a proactive approach - which has stood us in good stead throughout recent challenges. Leveraging technology to support our security efforts is a long-standing element of our work. As new technology comes on the market, we’ve been able to adapt our approach to provide robust security against evolving risks.
A key element of this approach is the use of bodycams for our security personnel. While bodycams are widely used across the industry, we use the footage as an additional qualitative data point. Experienced staff review and interpret the data, building a wider picture on emerging risks. This data also informs targeted training, which helps our staff deliver a continually improving service.
We utilise a range of data sources - both first-party (from our high levels of staff reporting) and third-party. This gives us a comprehensive view of the security landscape. From here, we can identify patterns and emerging threats early, which allows us to respond quickly and effectively.
In both cases, the human input of a highly experienced member of staff remains essential. Our staff work to understand context and determine appropriate actions in the moment. We believe that by combining advanced technology with human expertise, we create a much more robust and agile strategy that can adapt to changing risks in real-time.
The role of AI in security has been growing across various sectors. How do you see AI shaping the future of the security sector, and what impact do you think it will have?
AI is certainly becoming more prevalent in the security sector. Co-op, for example, has started using AI technology to help detect concealed items and alert staff to physical assaults. They have often been early adopters of technology, using it to help support staff safety in the increasingly challenging environment of convenience retail outlets.
While AI can flag potential incidents, human expertise is needed to interpret that information and respond appropriately to the situation. We could unquestionably see AI playing a bigger role in detecting incidents and alerting staff to issues they should be aware of. But with rising violence across multiple sectors, it’s important that businesses are not only equipped with the latest tools, but also have the trained personnel to make informed decisions and respond when it matters the most.
By combining new technology and skilled security staff, we can create an approach that allows businesses to address emerging risks in real-time.
Looking ahead to 2025, what do you predict for the security landscape, especially with new legislation like Martyn's Law coming into effect?
Looking to the future, it’s likely we’re going to see a continued shift towards preventative security measures. With the introduction of Martyn’s Law, businesses will be required to step up their security protocols. It’s not just about hiring more security staff; it’s about creating an overall culture of preparedness.
Regarding the legislation itself, Martyn’s Law was introduced to the House of Commons this autumn, and has now passed this stage and been introduced to the House of Lords. It's widely expected to become law in 2025. The adjustment period could be up to 24 months, but businesses still need to be proactive to protect the people using their premises. This could involve looking at risk assessment frameworks and making use of free training for staff.
Aside from Martyn’s Law, risks like violence and organised crime have only been growing in recent years. Unfortunately it’s likely things will continue on that trajectory in the near future. Being proactive is essential. Incidents can have a wide-ranging impact, including on staff morale, retainment and brand reputation. The more these can be reduced, the better.
This is all happening against a backdrop of rising costs, including the increases to National Insurance and National Minimum Wage coming into force in 2025. Businesses need to work smarter. Using highly effective personnel alongside innovative technology can create a robust provision - while providing value for money.
What role do you think security personnel will play in the future, given the growing reliance on technology?
While technology will continue to evolve and improve, security personnel will remain indispensable. However intelligent or innovative it is, technology can only do so much. There’s no substitute for experienced personnel who can assess situations, interact with people, and handle crises.
We expect the future of security to be more collaborative, with technology assisting front-line staff, rather than replacing them. This means a greater emphasis on training and ongoing professional development for security staff to ensure they remain equipped to handle new challenges.
Finally, what advice do you have for businesses as they prepare for the security challenges of 2025?
Our advice would be to be proactive rather than reactive. Businesses must understand the evolving risks in their sector and invest in both technology and training. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—what works for one business might not work for another.
It’s about tailoring your approach to your specific needs. This could mean updating your security technology, investing in staff training for specific threats, or working with industry experts like Cobac to assess and improve your security strategy.
2025 will bring its own set of challenges, but if businesses approach security with a mindset of innovation, flexibility, and collaboration, we’ll be able to build a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
Cobac Security provides security personnel services to businesses across the UK. Drawing on extensive experience in the sector, Cobac focuses on finding and developing high-quality staff and supporting them with innovative technology. This provides a highly effective, data-driven approach. For more information, call +44 (0)1332 948320.
