The city of London has been under attack by mob-crazed rioters vandalizing, looting stores, and paralyzing local businesses. According to law enforcement, as of Tuesday morning, 450 people were arrested and 44 officers were injured during the yesterday’s events.
The images of U.S.-based store brands being looted are reminiscent of the Rodney King Riots in Los Angeles or World Trade Organization protests in Seattle. You cannot help but notice how hard retailers were hit during the overnight criminal activity. The losses suffered by the business community extend well beyond the cost of merchandise, including clean-up costs and repair bills. This evening some stores are even closing early, which translates into lost sales.
Some reports suggest these groups formed and coordinated their activity using social media and text messages, a true example of a flash mob. Last night police deployed thousands of additional officers to address the problem and – by all media accounts – struggled to keep pace with the clashes. Tonight, up to 16,000 officers will be deployed. Fortunately, most of the impacted stores were closed during the chaos and there have been very few injuries reported. That said, you can see the fear on peoples face as they survey the damage and clean-up.
Last week, NRF released a white paper with guidance on how retailers can handle multiple offender crimes. Seeing the violence in London, and historic activity during global financial and political meetings, I want to highlight some additional items retailers may consider during a civil disturbance:
- The safety of customers and employees should guide any actions taken.
- Stores should maintain consistent two-way information sharing with employees and company decision makers.
- Real-time intelligence from the field (stores, shopping centers and the media) is key in the decision making process.
- Give store management instructions about their role and latitude they may have in the decision making process as it relates to closure, evacuation, etc.
- Offsite safety considerations:
- Review evacuation plans, primary/back-up reunification location and shelter-in-place guidelines with store employees.
- Note road closures and checkpoints to avoid getting caught up in the event.
- Determine safe and reliable transportation routes.
- Carry government-issued identification and employment identification (if available).
- Establish and clearly identify the location of first aid supplies.
- Review routine activities for additional risk, such as bank deposits, trash times, etc.
- Identify and maintain current contact information for employees, management, law enforcement, shopping center security, along with service providers such as security guard, maintenance and board-up companies.
- Reaffirm or update adherence to their corporate policies on media relations and the release of video evidence.