Greggs is piloting a new anti-theft measure that involves deploying security pods, referred to as 'robocops,' in an effort to deter shoplifters. These devices, manufactured by the security firm Safer Group, have been observed in London locations including Croydon, Brixton, Peckham, and Whitechapel, as well as in other cities such as Coventry, Birmingham, and Nottingham.
The Safe POD S1/X1 units capture CCTV footage that is continuously monitored by 24-hour remote security guards who are alerted to any incidents in real-time. The pods are solar-powered and equipped with 120-decibel 'high intensity sounders' and flashing lights. Store managers can control the devices via a mobile app, allowing them to activate or deactivate them as needed.
Safer Group states that its customizable pods have been utilized in various high-profile projects across sectors including construction, retail, rail, and national infrastructure. The company lists clients such as the Home Office, Transport for London, and several police forces, including Lancashire, Durham, and Merseyside. Other retail chains, including Boots, Home Bargains, Mountain Warehouse, and Waterstones, have also trialed these pods in conjunction with Safer Group and local police.
This initiative comes as Greggs has taken steps to address rampant shoplifting, with some of its most affected stores in areas like London, Birmingham, and Nottingham being converted into 'fortress stores.' This transformation has involved removing self-service displays and securing refrigerators to curb theft and threats to staff.
Meanwhile, a separate anti-theft system implemented by the Metropolitan Police has reportedly quadrupled conviction rates for shoplifting. This technology allows officers to receive CCTV footage directly from retailers, reducing evidence retrieval time from 28 days to minutes. The Met Police indicated that shops including Greggs, Tesco, Boots, and M&S are utilizing this system. Recent court cases highlight the issue, with Michael Belgrave sentenced to nine months in prison and a five-year criminal behavior order for stealing over £4,000 from various shops, including Greggs. Adam Gosling received a jail sentence after stealing £1,817 worth of goods from a Greggs store in Greenford over 38 instances between December 2025 and February 2026.
With the new Met Police system, the rate of cautions, charges, or other criminal orders stands at 29.4%, a significant increase from the previous average of 7.3%. These developments follow data released in April showing that reported shoplifting offenses in England and Wales have more than doubled in five years, with only about one in five resulting in a charge. Total thefts rose by 133% from 228,128 in 2020/21 to 530,457 in 2024/25, according to House of Commons Library data. In the same period, the charge rate for these offenses was 19.8%. The Metropolitan Police recorded 93,626 cases in 2024/25, a 202% increase from 31,008 in 2020/21, with a charge rate of 6.5%.