Don't put shoplifters' photos up in stores as it 'breaks data protection rules,' shopkeepers told
The UK’s data watchdog has said shopkeepers must not put up photos of suspected shoplifters in stores as is could impinge on their rights under GDPR laws.
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The Information Commissioner’s Office, (ICO) has said putting up photos of known thieves in a local area, for example shop windows, ‘may not be appropriate’.
In guidance for shopkeepers on how to fight back against the rising levels of shoplifting, the ICO says retailers “must only share personal information that’s proportionate and necessary to achieve your purpose”.
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, told The Telegraph: “We should be letting the general public know of the photographs of people who have a track record of stealing in towns.”
Mr Tice added that shopkeepers should be able to put up signs and have the right to say “it’s my shop and I determine who comes into it”.
Last week it emerged that a shopkeeper in Wales, Rob Davies, had put up a note that read: “Due to scumbags shoplifting, please ask for assistance to open cabinets.”
But officers from North Wales Police attended his retro shop in Wrexham and told him to take down the sign because it could cause offence.
The ICO suggests shopkeepers should share suspect details with the police, or give information about the incident to a manager or another store nearby.
A spokesperson for the Information Commissioner’s Office said: “We don’t set strict requirements on how organisations should respond to shoplifting, as data protection law recognises that circumstances can vary. Instead, we provide guidance to help organisations use people’s information in a way that is lawful, fair and proportionate.
"Data protection law enables retailers to share images to prevent or detect crime, as long as it's necessary and proportionate in the circumstances. For example, this could include sharing images with the police, shopping centre security teams, or other relevant authorities.
"Retailers will need to consider the relevant privacy implications, such as having a legal reason and appropriate security measures, when considering publishing any images of suspected shoplifters.
"Any retailer that is using or sharing information to prevent or detect crime and isn’t sure how to do this in a compliant way can contact us for advice or find guidance on our website. If businesses have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help.”