At the Serious Youth Violence Network (SYVN), we are committed to tackling the root causes of youth violence and anti-social behaviour (ASB) while delivering practical, impactful solutions. By collaborating with professionals and businesses, we aim to address the increasing challenges of youth-related issues in various sectors, including retail. Our recent retail project, led by Natalie Queiroz MBE, showcases how collaboration, expertise, and proactive measures can help the retail sector overcome these pressing challenges.
What is the SYVN Retail Project?
The SYVN Retail Project was created as part of our mission to engage key industries in understanding and preventing youth violence and anti-social behaviour. Natalie Queiroz MBE, a graduate of our Level 3 Course in Working with Serious Youth Violence, played a pivotal role in connecting SYVN to influential retail networks.
Through her efforts, we partnered with Oris Forum, a collective of major retailers such as New Look, Nike, Primark, McDonald’s, KFC, Greggs, and Starbucks. Oris Forum focuses on providing retailers with the latest security solutions to reduce stock loss, improve safety, and protect employees and customers.
Recognising the growing impact of youth violence and ASB on retail spaces, Oris Forum invited Natalie and the SYVN team to present at their annual Security Conference. The event served as a vital platform to help retailers better understand youth violence and implement prevention-first strategies to protect their businesses.
What We’ve Achieved So Far?
1. Oris Forum Security Conference (14–15th May 2024)
At the prestigious Old Thorne Hotel Resort near Winchester, Natalie Queiroz MBE and Solomon Griffiths led sessions for over 100 senior security leaders from the UK’s biggest retail brands.
- Day 1: Delivered a keynote address exploring the drivers of youth crime, including social media pressures, marginalisation, and unconscious bias. Introduced innovative prevention strategies to mitigate youth-related issues.
- Day 2: Facilitated roundtable discussions, engaging attendees in identifying challenges and co-creating tailored solutions. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants praising the actionable strategies provided.
2. Online Training for Retailers (10th July 2024)
Following the Oris Forum success, we hosted an online training session for retail professionals from brands like New Look, Pets at Home, and Starbucks. This interactive session covered:
- Theories of youth violence, anti-social behaviour, and marginalisation.
- The role of unconscious bias in shaping perceptions and responses.
- Social media’s influence on youth behaviour in retail settings.
- Practical prevention strategies retailers can implement without hiring additional security staff.
Participants valued the chance to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and gain insights into creating safer retail environments.
3. Tesco National Security Team Training (8th October 2024)
Impressed by our work with Oris Forum, Tesco invited SYVN to deliver a full-day training session for their National Security Team. The tailored session sparked meaningful discussions and inspired new strategies.
Key highlights included:
- Addressing unconscious bias in security teams.
- Exploring solutions that prioritise prevention over reaction to reduce incidents without extra resources.
- Strategies to counter social media pressures influencing youth behaviour in retail spaces.
Tesco’s feedback was exceptional, and they have already started implementing the discussed strategies.
Why Does This Matter?
Youth violence and anti-social behaviour are costing the retail sector hundreds of thousands of pounds, with incidents like store storms, theft, and confrontations becoming more frequent. Traditional measures, such as hiring additional security guards, are proving ineffective in addressing these escalating challenges.
The SYVN Retail Project demonstrates that it’s time to think differently. By equipping retailers with the tools to understand and engage young people proactively, we can foster safer spaces for businesses, employees, and communities while addressing the root causes of these issues.
What’s Next?
Building on the success of these sessions, SYVN is in discussions with other major retailers to deliver similar training and workshops. Our collaboration with Tesco continues to grow, with further tailored sessions planned to ensure sustainable, effective solutions.
Through education, collaboration, and shared expertise, SYVN is empowering the retail sector to address youth violence and anti-social behaviour meaningfully.
Get in Touch
If you’re a retailer or professional interested in learning more about our training sessions or booking a workshop for your team, please contact us at:
training@syvn.org.uk
0121 356 1944
Let’s work together to prevent youth violence and create safer communities for all.
