News and Media

Educators NZ often features in the news as an expert in shop theft prevention and education. We've collected here all the news events and media spots that Educators has gathered in the process of educating the New Zealand retail industry on theft prevention best practice.

NZI Business interview on TVNZ

In this week's SME Spotlight, NZI Business chats with Lynda West of Educators New Zealand. Watch the interview here.

Remote monitor system a first

Shoplifters beware – Palmerston North's version of Big Brother could soon be watching you.

Security experts Lynda West and Clint Herbert have pooled their knowledge to create Virtual Security - a company with the technology to remotely monitor businesses' CCTV cameras. Many firms, such as Farmers and the Pioneer New World, monitor their own cameras, but Virtual Security is for businesses without security staff or who want a completely impartial security service. Read more.

Tough talk to stymie shoplifters

Tough talk to stymie shoplifters

A man who wore stolen shorts around a store while he shopped, chocolate-bar-swiping schoolboys and a ring of "professional" thieves were among the topics discussed at a shoplifting meeting in Palmerston North. Retailers, including owners and security staff from The Plaza, Oderings, Kelly's, Streets Ahead, Farmers, CD Security, GQ Clothing and Shanton, shared stories and evaluated shoplifting trends in preparation for the busy Christmas shopping season. Read more.

Shoplifters slapped with 'civil fee'

Light-fingered shoppers who dare to pocket goods from Farmers stores are being stung with a civil fee before they enter a courtroom.

A shoplifting case heard in the Palmerston North District Court - where the defendant's identity was suppressed - raised an eyebrow of Judge Chris Somerville when it was found a penalty had already been imposed. Judge Somerville was surprised to hear the woman, who pleaded guilty to shoplifting a $20 bottle of nail polish from Broadway Avenue Farmers, had paid a $290 civil recovery fee to the company. It was enough for him to discharge the woman without conviction, because he believed she had already been significantly punished. Read more.

Stolen profits

Shoplifting cost Palmerston North retailers an estimated $13 million revenue last year.

Lynda West's laptop is filled with footage of shoplifters stuffing roast lambs down their pants, walking brazenly from stores with stolen clothes and cramming food into children's strollers. The sheer gall of their actions is both shocking and amusing to watch, however, the footage isn't on there for kicks, she uses it to teach others about the perils of shoplifting. Read more.

Best New Business

Manawatu Her Business Awards - Lynda West with her award