Retail tagging to prevent shop theft
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
mixed evidence
Evidence quality
strong
Cost
moderate
What the evidence says
Retail tagging involves attaching security tags to products to deter theft. Evidence shows mixed findings on its effectiveness, with some studies indicating a reduction in theft while others show increases. Overall, the evaluation suggests that tagging items is better than not tagging them, though the impact varies based on tag visibility and type.
How it works
Tags increase the risk of apprehension for offenders attempting to steal products, and certain non-electronic tags reduce benefits by damaging items if tampered with. The mechanism relies on perceived risks and effort required to remove tags.
Implementation
Successful implementation requires proper staff training on attaching and detaching tags and responding to alarms. Consideration of the type of store and product is essential for effective tagging strategy.
Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit (What Works Centre for Crime Reduction). Summarised 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing.