Store Detective in Plymouth

We are seeking a highly motivated and professional Store Detective to join our retail security team, supporting a major retail client across the region. Working in plain clothes, you will identify, prevent and investigate retail crime. You will be responsible for detecting theft, gathering intelligence, producing high‑quality evidence, and supporting stores in reducing stock loss and criminal activity. This dynamic, intelligence‑led role requires excellent observational skills, strong report‑writing abilities and the confidence to work independently while maintaining close communication with operational management, store teams, uniformed officers and police partners. Successful candidates will be comfortable working independently in plain clothes for extended periods, maintaining concentration, identifying suspicious behaviour and producing detailed evidential reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct undercover store detective duties in a professional and discreet manner.
• Identify, monitor and investigate suspected offenders.
• Detect and prevent theft, fraud and other forms of retail crime.
• Gather evidence and intelligence to support criminal investigations and prosecutions.
• Complete accurate and detailed incident reports using company reporting platforms.
• Submit intelligence relating to repeat offenders and organised retail crime groups.
• Liaise with store management, uniformed security officers and external agencies when required.
• Support loss prevention strategies and store shrinkage reduction initiatives.
• Maintain a visible deterrent when operationally required.
• Ensure all actions are carried out in line with company policies, legal requirements and client expectations.

Essential Requirements

• Valid SIA Door Supervisor or Security Guarding Licence.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the region.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong observational and decision‑making abilities.
• Competent IT skills and confidence using mobile applications.
• Ability to produce clear, concise and evidential‑quality reports.
• Professional appearance and conduct at all times.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Desirable Experience

• Previous Store Detective experience.
• Retail Security or Loss Prevention experience.
• Knowledge of retail crime trends and offender behaviour.
• Experience dealing with organised retail crime and prolific offenders.
• Experience using intelligence or incident reporting systems.
• Experience conducting covert observations and surveillance.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay.
• Guaranteed 45‑hour contract.
• Company pension scheme.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing operation.
• Supportive and experienced management team.
• Opportunity to work with a major national retail client.
• Involvement in intelligence‑led retail crime reduction initiatives.
• Varied working locations and operational responsibilities.
• Flexible benefits scheme tailored to your lifestyle.
• Virtual GP and health‑wellbeing support.
• Financial assistance through Salary Finance scheme.
• MiDeals high‑street discounts and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Life cover based on salary.
• Mitie Matching Share Plan.
• Recognition through Mitie Stars and cash prizes.

Commitment to Opportunity

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long‑term condition – for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss – and need us to make reasonable adjustments, please let us know by emailing at [email protected].