Retail businesses face unique security challenges due to the nature of their operations. While the technological world has opened up many new opportunities for retail businesses, it has also created new security threats and opportunities. As a result, it is important for retail businesses to take steps in order to protect their physical storefronts. In fact since the Covid pandemic beginning in 2020, 16.7% of retailers have experienced an uptick in shoplifting situations (according to the 2021 National Retail Security Survey.) In fact, the average shoplifting dollar amount has risen to a whopping $461.86! Up nearly $200 from 2019. Overall, shrink is costing the retail industry over $61.7 billion dollars from the 2019 National Retail Security Survey. Which means, with the increase in numbers we saw from 2021- that number is most likely even higher. With that, 43% of companies have now decided to allocate staffing and budget resources (like hiring security officers) to prevent increased losses in their storefronts. This amount is up 17% from 2019.
In conjunction with potentially adding security officers to your locations, here are some additional suggestions on how to enhance the physical security of your retail business:
Invest in quality locks and door hardware:
Investing in quality locks and door hardware is one of the most important ways to protect your retail business from unwanted intruders. Make sure to use high-quality deadbolt locks, reinforced hinges, and strike plates for the doors and windows of your retail business. Additionally, you most definitely want to consider installing a security system with motion sensors, video surveillance, and other features.
Use secure lighting:
Poor lighting can make your retail business vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Make sure to use bright, energy-efficient lighting that illuminates the areas in and around your retail business. You can also install motion-activated lights that will turn on when motion is detected. This could potentially scare off intruders.
Secure the perimeter of your business:
Make sure to secure the perimeter of your business using fences, gates, and security barriers. It is also important to seek out potential weak spots in the layout of your retail location. Upon discovering where those weak spots are that can provide criminals with an opportunity to steal, you can add additional lighting, redesign the layout, or even utilize loss prevention tools on the items in those locations.
Implement an access control system:
Access control systems allow you to control who can enter specific areas of your retail business that may hold inventory or register counts. You can set up access control systems that require a keycard or code to enter the premises. This will assist in blocking off wandering customers who may upon an impulse opportunity, employees who should not have access to specific information, inventory, or funds. Certain access control systems even keep a log of who entered those sensitive locations, and when they were entered.
Monitor your business:
Monitoring your business is one of the most important ways to protect it from unwanted intruders. Make sure to install video surveillance cameras both inside and outside your business. Ensure the outdoor lighting is bright so monitoring is easy, and avoid clutter anywhere near an entrance so you can easily see when someone is approaching. If a business is struggling with theft, loitering, or other security issues- of course we always suggest speaking with us about how our security officer services can assist in creating a safer and more secure environment. However, by taking these steps, you can enhance the physical security of your retail business and increase the protection on your own against any theft or vandalism. Make sure to take the time to assess your business’s security needs, and invest in the right security systems and personnel. Additionally, train your employees in how to best handle security threats and ensure that they are aware of the protocols that have been set in place in order to keep them safe.
Have questions about hiring security officers for your retail location? We can help!
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