If you run a pub, then you will almost certainly have experienced some form of theft at one time or other.
In a December 2024 report, The Office for National Statistics claimed that there had been a 54% increase in robberies from business properties compared to previous years.
In this post we will discuss the common types of theft that occur in pubs, and outline some ways you can protect your pub from theft.
The Most Common Types of Theft in Pubs
- Petty theft of pub property. It is very common for customers to steal pint glasses, along with other items of cutlery, from bars and pubs. According to one survey, 34% of British adults have admitted to stealing tableware from pubs, which amounts to around £186 million worth of stolen items.
- Theft from pub staff and customers. This might include stealing unattended phones and keys, or lifting items from handbags or wallets left on tables. Or it might include violent thefts on pub premises. According to ONS, around 5% of all annual robberies take place on pub premises.
- Theft by pub staff. Whether through under ringing items, giving away free drinks, stealing stock, or lifting money directly from the till, it is unfortunately common for staff to steal from pubs.
- Breaking and entering. It feels like every few weeks there is another news story about a pub burglary. Some criminals target pubs while they are still open, using violence or the threat of violence to steal money. Others wait until the pub is closed before breaking in. In the latter case, the cost of the damages to the pub property can exceed the amount lost in cash.
How To Protect Your Pub From Theft
Below we will explore how you can address each type of pub theft, in turn.
How To Prevent Petty Theft of Pub Property
- Run a pint glass and tableware amnesty. Allow customers to return any items they may have stolen in exchange for a discount on drinks or food.
- Add a small charge to every item on your menu to offset the costs of replacing stolen items. This could be as little as 10p.
- Introduce a one-glass-per-customer system, where you wash and refill the same glass instead of handing out a new one. You could even ask customers to pay a deposit on their glass, which could deter theft while offsetting any potential losses.
How to Prevent Theft From Pub Staff and Customers
- Put up notices warning customers about the risks of theft, advising them to never leave any valuables unattended.
- Install CCTV to help deter theft, and to make conviction more likely if theft does occur.
- Consider hiring dedicated security staff, to help protect staff and customers from violent criminals.
How to Prevent Theft By Pub Staff
- Perform background checks on all new applicants. Highlight the importance of honesty and integrity during staff induction, and run regular training sessions to reiterate these values. Also make it clear that you have a zero tolerance approach to theft – one strike, and they are out.
- Perform regular stock and receipt checks. This will help you ensure that everything adds up, and that there are no discrepancies.
- Make sure every till is covered by CCTV. This could help deter all kinds of theft, while giving you a means of investigating should you suspect that theft has taken place.
How to Prevent Breaking and Entering in Your Pub
- Invest in extensive security systems, including extra locks, alarms, CCTV, motion activated floodlights, and so on.
- Lock all cash and other valuables in a safe overnight.
- Join a neighbourhood watch scheme. Encourage local residents to look out for your pub while you look out for neighbouring properties.
Get The Right Insurance For Your Pub
Dedicated insurance for your pub will not prevent theft, but it can help you bounce back from any financial loss you may experience as a result of theft.
James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your pub. We can help you get the insurance you need at the most competitive price.
Learn more about how we can support you here.