In a recent survey, 1 in every 5 Australians shoplifts at self-serve checkouts in retail stores. Shocking, isn’t it?
With the multiplied retail businesses, shoplifting has become one of the most commonly heard terms. However, it is only a part of retail crime. There’s vandalism, employee theft, robbery, money fraud, etc.
It will be difficult to sustain in the long run if you are unaware of these vulnerabilities. Therefore for the prosperity of your business, you must look into ways to tighten your workplace security.
If you’ve been a victim of frequent shoplifting or vandalism, you need to read this blog post until the end. We are going to discuss the ways to strengthen security in retail businesses.
The importance of security in retail stores often equates to having two security guards at the entrance. That’s not the answer to your problems, though! You need more effective ways to adapt for your business.
Retail Security
Every action retailers adopt to protect themselves, shoppers, and workers is clubbed under retail security. When you are running a business, every single penny counts. Be it a minor theft by an employee or a burglary, it could have significant after-effects.
So, you need strategies to fight those crimes. The actions or strategies differ based on certain factors relevant to the business. They are the products you sell, the location, and the features of your retail store.
Say, a store in a high-crime area may be more vulnerable to vandalism than a store in a peaceful residential area.
You need to devise a plan after understanding your situation and priorities well. Taking help from an experienced security company is also a good idea.
Tips to Implement Retail Security
With every security measure you implement, you add a layer of protection to your business. Yes, not all businesses may need all the measures. Consider your priorities and start by taking baby steps.
We assure you that even a fraction of these measures can help you a great deal in building a secured business.
1. Secure Your Perimeter
This is the most inexpensive, primal security measure you can take for your business. Secure the perimeter of your place by having security devices installed. You should take particular care of your back door or garage door, which criminals usually prefer.
In addition, make it a point to rekey your locks frequently if your area has a high-crime rate. Sometimes, employees with key access may misuse it for personal gains, even after quitting. So, rekey as often as you feel the need.
2. Install a Security System
You can install a retail security system to further secure your retail business. They are integrated systems that prevent theft to an incredible extent.
One is installing anti-tampering devices on exterior doors and windows that alert the guards as soon as a breach occurs.
Secondly, installing CCTV cameras in the store and monitoring them on both a manual and machine-learning basis.
Motion detectors also became undeniably common to adopt in businesses.
3. Get a High-Security Safe
Burglars may often easily enter shops, but it is far more difficult to breach a high-security safe. These have tracking technology and anti-tamper mechanisms so that you can keep track of them. Even if they yank them out of the wall, which is difficult to accomplish in the first place, you’ll know.
Safes make stealing more challenging. If you put all of your cash and valuables in one place, it will be harder for thieves to do opportunistic "grab and run" crimes.
However, avoid purchasing a combination safe. They lack the security of cash drop safes or modern electronic safes.
4. Put Electronic Tags on Expensive Goods
The method of placing electronic tags on products is called electronic article surveillance.
EAS is a formidable tool for preventing shoplifters from taking your goods. These devices alert you as soon as they pass through the shop threshold with unsold goods. Door security can then halt and verify clients.
However, the removal of tags by checkout helpers is a need for effective EAS applications. If this isn't done correctly, there may be a lot of issues, such as security officers detaining paying clients and inspecting their receipts. So, extreme caution is necessary with EAS.
5. Hire Retail Security Guards
The importance of retail security guards may be attributed to a number of factors. They now have more responsibilities than only policing the area, unlike in the past. Instead, they use their customer service abilities to serve consumers better and safeguard staff members.
If a client acts violently or abusively, the staff have the assistance they need. The same feeling is shared by customers also. The ability to diffuse conflicts is a quality that security guards possess.
6. Employ Retail Store Detectives
Finally, organised gangs pose a threat to some retail shops. Employing store detectives may be the best course of action for such gangs.
These store detectives are chosen and qualified law enforcement agents with extensive backgrounds. They are skilled at disguising themselves as regular customers and are fast to spot organised gangs working nearby.
In addition, they are more adept at weighing the potential for reward and detention than normal security officers.
Conclusion
All things considered, retail security is a crucial area of your business. Growth is only possible when there is security.
Thus, take a look at your business and jot down your thoughts, then reach out to a security company to further discuss your security. Aligned Security Force is a great name to consider as your partner in security. They provide the best retail security in Melbourne.
If you have further questions, comment right away without holding back. We hope we’ve made things easier for you!
