The retail sector is in demand for security as theft is ever present and a constant threat to store owners and their staff. In the last year, over 460,000 businesses experienced crime and many factors impact this number such as rising costs of products and poor security, so how can you improve your stores security?
1. Train your Employees
The first step is to train all employees and ensure that both new and existing staff have received the same training, so everyone is on the same page. Store managers can provide either in person or virtual training on what employees should do if they notice any suspicious activity or feel threatened by a customer. Here are some of our red flags that employees should look out for in customers:
- Customers looking around like they’re being watched and acting in a strange manner to other customers
- Picking up items and putting them down in different places
- Removing or swapping item price tags
If your staff notice any of the above, they should be taught how to communicate with fellow employees or be taught to share a security phrase that you have in place, this can alert employees of a risk without alerting other customers.
Furthermore, along with training your staff you could also employ trained security guards to either mark the entrances and exits of your store or to patrol the floor, this is both a physical and visual deterrent and can instantly deter a potential shoplifter.
2. CCTV and Alarms
CCTV is everywhere, but is it in your store? CCTV systems catch valuable evidence that can be passed on to authorities when a crime has been committed. The one thing that you would need to consider is the placement of the CCTV cameras, the advised areas to install them in is entrances/exits, stock rooms, checkouts and in your car park so you cover all internal and external aspects of your premises.
Shoplifters will be deterred once they see a CCTV camera and they are a cost-effective solution to improve your stores security. In addition to CCTV cameras, you should also include signage to warn customers of CCTV being used and any other security policies in place, these can be positioned in entrances to your store, so customers and employees are both aware when entering.
Alarms are another essential security feature that your business should install. These will be enforced during the night when your store is closed and can alert both yourself and the authorities when the alarm is triggered. Employees should be trained on how to enable and disable alarms; this can help prevent any accidental false alarms and police call outs as these can incur charges.
3. Internal and External Security
Retail gates and barriers can improve both your internal and external security. Internal gates and barriers can help maintain the flow of customers in and out of your store, they can also prevent customers from getting through checkouts without paying.
External retail gates and barriers are just as, if not more important. Retail barriers will help secure your car park during the night as retail car parks can be a prime candidate for car meets and criminals. These can cause significant damage to your car park but also your building, so restricting access with a retail barrier will deny them entry.
Retail gates are another way to secure your premises. These can be installed in your stores loading bays where only authorised vans and trucks are allowed entry, this prevents customers from gaining access with their vehicles or parking in the way. Retail gates are a visual deterrent too and can easily change the mind of a criminal who may be thinking of climbing these to gain entry.
Furthermore, retail barriers and gates can be fitted with accessories such as intercom and ANPR cameras. These are additional security features that you can include and will help streamline the process for authorised people and vehicles entering and exiting your stores premises.
4. Safes
Every store needs a safe. Safes can store copies of data and information, belongings and cash and anything else that needs to be inaccessible. Although safes can be expensive and take up a lot of space, they are essential. When purchasing a safe, you must do your research and buy one that is suitable and well-reviewed.
Safes are mainly used for storing cash from tills as these are targeted during break-ins, it is important to empty tills each night and lock this away using either a secure combination code or biometrics, it is critical that only authorised employees have access to the safe.
To reduce the use of a safe, you could also consider minimising cash payments as this will reduce the amount of cash on your premises. This also helps prevent you receiving fraudulent notes and coins for payment which can have impacts on your businesses cashflow.
5. Insurance
In the event of a burglary, you and your store must be insured. Traditionally insurance will cover the physical premises and the contents, however, store insurance can also offer protection against damages, loss and theft. This can help recoup valuable money that would have been lost.
Retail Security by Newgate
If you are looking retail security solutions, then Newgate are here for you. We create bespoke retail security gates and retail security barriers to help you boost your stores security.
Our team of retail security experts will work alongside you to identify your premises vulnerabilities and provide recommendations on how these can be improved with our range of products.
Get in touch with our friendly team today and start the process of improving your stores security.
