Store detective
Use your observation skills to spot and prevent theft.
About the job
What it's like
You would use your observation skills to spot and prevent theft.
You may work wearing plain clothes and as part of a team of security officers.
You would:
Follow shoppers or staff who behave suspiciously
Call the police and describe what you have seen
Take evidence from witnesses
Write short reports
Sometimes give evidence in court
You would have the power to hold anyone trying to leave the store with stolen goods. You may also be involved in preventing the use of stolen credit cards.
You would use many different tools in your work, such as radios, loop alarms, mirrors, electronic tags on goods, and closed circuit television (CCTV).
Hours
You could work up to 48 hours a week, including evenings and weekends. You may do shift work depending on the opening hours of the store. Temporary and seasonal work is often available.
Environment
You will spend much of your day standing or walking around the store.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- patrolling
- conflict management
- mental health
- crime prevention
- conflict resolution
- effective communication
- loss prevention
- guarding
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- observation
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- concentrating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services
There are no set qualifications to enter this role.
Many employers look for qualifications that demonstrate knowledge of security and loss prevention. These could include:
Security Industry Authority (SIA) qualifications
An SVQ in Electronic Security Systems (SCQF Level 6)
Qualifications that show understanding of security services, retail, physical fitness and the ability to work with others such as:
Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4).
Scottish Vocational Qualification in Electronic Security Systems (SCQF Level 6)
NC Army Preparation (SCQF Level 4)
You may need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. You must be 18 years old to comply with SIA regulations.
Some roles require you to be physically fit. You may need to pass a medical examination.
Employers may ask for a full, clean driving licence.
For some specialist roles, you may need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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