The countdown to Christmas is on - and nowhere is this more evident than on the UK’s high streets. As ever, grocery retailers are doing everything they can to maximise sales. Shops are full to bursting with seasonal stock.

But in the midst of all the excitement, store operators need to do everything they can to keep their customers happy - and that involves ensuring their merchandise is available in the right place at the right time. At this time of year, unfortunately one of the main reasons for some items not being on shelves is shoplifting. As stores get busier, thieves do too. According to a 2012 report, UK supermarkets saw a marked increase in cases of theft in the run-up to Christmas, with alcohol, food and decorations among the most stolen items.

However, losses of this kind can be tackled. The correlation between those retailers who pay attention to this area and the rate of shoplifting is clear. With the right techniques in place, it is possible to reduce the threat.

So what can retailers do to ensure their merchandise is protected? Security and merchandising technology play a key role. Over the years these solutions have advanced beyond all recognition. However, there are also a number of potentially under-estimated areas.

At the heart of the issue is the need for a company-wide anti-theft culture. Everyone in an organisation needs to be on board with the concept of loss prevention and understand the role they play in helping combat the problem. This can be further reinforced with a strong and visible loss prevention team.

Staff also need frequent training to ensure they are equipped to deal with potential thefts before they occur. Rather than directly confronting potential thieves, the focus of staff engagement should be placed on customer service, approaching customers to ask if they need help, for example.

Once the loss prevention battle has been won, merchandise availability becomes an easier challenge to address. Preventing theft should naturally lead to more products on shelves for consumers to purchase… meaning greater profits for retailers.

Neil Matthews is vice president of Checkpoint Systems