Retail WAVE – Fast, Focused eLearning for Safer Retail Environments

Retail WAVE is a brand-new, interactive eLearning course designed to give those in retail customer facing role or is a first responder with the confidence and skills to keep people safe. In just 25 minutes, learners explore real-world scenarios, practical techniques, and the behaviours that make the biggest difference on the shop floor.

Why Retail WAVE Matters

Retail crime continues to rise, with theft, antisocial behaviour, and abuse affecting stores, staff, and customer experience. Beyond financial loss, these issues take a toll on team morale, recruitment, and the overall sense of safety in retail spaces. Retail WAVE helps teams understand how to recognise risk, reduce harm, and act early — creating safer environments that support wellbeing and strengthen business performance.

What the Course Covers

This dynamic session guides learners through a series of short modules that build confidence step by step:

Identifying Vulnerability

• • Spotting early warning signs

• • Understanding different types of vulnerability

• • Recognising when someone needs help

Identification Methods & Challenging Behaviours

• • Knowing what "safe challenge" looks like

• • Communicating clearly and confidently

• • Assessing situations and choosing the right approach

Bystander Intervention

• • Using practical, safe intervention techniques

• • Understanding when to step in — and when to step back

• • Supporting colleagues, customers, and the public

Retail Crime Awareness

• • Understanding the impact of theft and antisocial behaviour

• • Recognising common patterns and tactics

• • How to reduce opportunities for crime

Safe Havens & Safe Spaces

• • Knowing where to direct people in need

• • Understanding how stores can act as safe community touchpoints

Ask for Angela

Learn about the Ask for Angela campaign and how to implement it in your retail environment. You can access additional Ask for Angela campaign resources by completing this contact form.

Gathering Evidence & Working With Partners

• • What information helps investigations

• • How to share concerns with partners, local teams, or security

• • Building collaborative, joined-up safety across retail areas

Who Is Retail WAVE For?

This course is ideal for:

• • Retail customer service teams

• • First responders in public spaces

• • BID Ambassadors

• • Security personnel

• • Seasonal staff or new starters

• • Anyone supporting public-facing retail environments

If your team interacts with the public, Retail WAVE gives them the awareness and practical tools to stay safe and support others.

In-house launching spring 2026