The dismissal of Walker Smith, a Waitrose employee who confronted a shoplifter, has ignited a call for enhanced security measures in retail stores across the UK. Retail workers' union Usdaw revealed that 59% of its members favor a stronger security presence, citing the need for reassurance and deterrence against rising retail crime. Richard Walker, CEO of Iceland, emphasized the necessity for improved tools, including AI technology, to combat theft, while advocating for security personnel to have more authority to handle such incidents. The security industry has also raised concerns about the safety of its workers, highlighting a tragic incident in Milton Keynes where a security guard was fatally stabbed. The Security Industry Federation (SIF) is pushing for legal recognition of assaults on security workers as a standalone offense. Retailers have reportedly invested £5 billion over the last five years on crime prevention measures, including body-worn cameras and increased security personnel, to ensure the safety of their employees.