Store detective
Use your observation skills to spot and prevent theft.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£615
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£2,667
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£32,000
Experienced
12,200
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
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
Environment
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Store detective'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Private investigator Security officer CCTV operator
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
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.
Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland
Find the perfect course to boost your career.
