If you have a retail business, protecting the goods and items you sell and having a strong security system is vital. It will discourage shoplifters. Your business’s common threats include burglary, property damage, vandalism, etc. It does not matter if you have a small shop or a big one; you must take security concerns seriously to safeguard your employees, and by having security guards, they can take action as soon as possible.
There are several security measures, such as having a CCTV camera, hiring security personnel, etc., that you can take. Let’s take a look at a few.
Have A Good Surveillance System
It is vital to invest in a sound security system and equip your retail store with technological monitoring tools, such as cameras and alarms. These tools are incredibly usable, and if you have a robust security system, then it results in less crime. And if there is a break-in, then it becomes beneficial to have video evidence. Also, there might be several blind spots in your store, even if it is small or big. So, always remember to place security cameras where it is challenging to keep a direct eye when talking to customers.
Installing CCTV cameras is a good measure, and most criminals and thieves inspect the area before they try to break in, and seeing the CCTV camera will discourage them. A store with CCTV cameras will deter criminals compared to stores without one. Thieves do not want to be recognized and ultimately arrested, so they prefer not to commit crimes from retail stores with CCTV cameras.
Hire Security Guards
One of the effective ways to enhance security is to hire retail security guards. The priority of these guards is to protect the customers and the staff. Also, they are responsible for securing the vaults, cash register, and merchandise in the store because they are also charged with protecting the institution’s financial interests. They also remove harmful persons from the shop area, operate video surveillance, etc. With guards at the storefronts, customers will feel protected, and the presence of professional security helps in deterring thieves. Hiring a security guard from a qualified and experienced agency is a better choice, and the process is easy too.
They are your first line of defense against any unpleasant incident. The best part is they can provide 24-hour surveillance and ensure your assets are always protected. Since they are skilled at handling high-stress situations, they ensure they do not interfere with your day-to-day operations. They are mostly hired to provide safety, but they are capable of other things, such as customer service, for example, greeting the shoppers at the entrance.
Opt For Employee Training
You must provide your staff education training so they can see the signs of an impending theft; in this way, they are better at handling these tense situations. They can be more adept at dealing with instances of theft. Mostly in training, the staff is trained to keep an eye on a customer who picks the products and then keeps them in different places.
Also, employees would look out for customers who tried to switch or swap the price tags. So to be able to do that, they should be vigilant constantly. However, the training process does not need to be complicated process. Simple measures such as training them on how to use security alarms or notify security guards are sufficient too. Also, there can be some code words that the staff can use if they see any danger.
Have Exterior Lighting
Installing exterior lighting helps in keeping the nearby and surrounding area safe. Thieves primarily work in the dark, and if there is light, there will always be a chance to get caught. One of the lighting that you can opt for is floodlighting. You can put it in out-of-reach places to shine on parking lots, alleyways, entryways, etc.
Put it anywhere you think thieves or criminals might get access to the shop. Another great option is the motion-sensing lighting which turns on only when someone approaches. It will deter potential intruders, and their activity will become visible to passersby, police patrols, etc.
Install Alarm System
One of the practical and quick ways to maintain communication between your security providers, system, and authorities is via an alarm monitoring system. The system efficiently informs the authorities, and then they send police officers to check the premises. If there is any malicious activity, such as unauthorized entry, breaking windows, etc., the alarm system informs the security guards, who take care of the issue.
Try To Minimize Cash Payments
Cash drawers are mostly a treasure for thieves and some workers too. So, when you opt for cashless payments, the physical money collected in the store will be less, so it will not be a target for thieves. Nowadays, cashless transactions are taking place almost everywhere. So it is a good practice; it provides more safety and also speeds up the whole check-out process, and improves customer service.
Post Anti-theft Signs
Showcasing anti-theft signs is an effective strategy to deter thieves. When they know that the store is being watched 24/7, the thieves will think before breaking in. This seems like a simple situation, but it is practical too in deterring stealing. However, remember that when putting these signs, ensure that they are placed in prominent locations from where it is visible. So, you can keep them at the entrance of the stores, paste them on windows, dressing rooms, and other difficult-to-monitor locations of the store.
Conclusion
In summary, thefts and shoplifting in retail shops are big problems, and it can be challenging to catch the shoplifters or ensure the security of your place of business. In addition to enhancing the store security policies and taking measures, it is also essential to seek professional help. Fortunately, security technology is improving quickly and is easily accessible, too, so now is a good time to enhance your shop’s security.
