7 Tips to Reduce Theft from Retail Security Experts
Why your retail property needs virtual security
With today's new reality, it's critical to keep an eye on all actions in a retail space because no one wants to end up in a dangerous position owing to a malfunctioning or non-existent security system. That is why most retail properties have fully operating remote security systems strategically placed to enhance security. Video & mobile surveillance has emerged as the leading contender for safety in commercial locations and other public spaces in the digital era.
Moreover, it’s possible for retail managers to maintain a safe experience for both customers and employees by providing additional training for frontline staff and by putting in place new technologies that provide a better of coverage of a property’s permitter.
It's really a combination of both technology and manned guarding that can ensure the success of your security program. At ECAMSECURE, we take this hybrid approach thanks to our partnership with GardaWorld Security experts and staff.
We asked them to share their tips on how to enhance the performance of frontline staff. Here is their advice.
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Control the number of people in any given store at any one time.
Shops might consider stationing security guards at their store entrances to police health and safety regulations and avoid theft and crowding. Guards will also be able to greet customers and serve as customer service ambassadors, freeing up your team to attend to customers' requirements in the store.
Then, to fill in the gaps of any potential weaknesses in the security of your commercial site, security cameras or MSUs should be installed. This helps to reduce the number of guards needed on site at one-time.
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Encourage retail managers to plan displays from an anti-theft perspective.
Display precious and small products with a high risk of theft in a case or in an area that is closely monitored by the checkout staff. Items that are expensive or in high demand should not be shelved near departure routes.
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Consider floor walkers to prevent theft.
Staff can be distracted by staged fights, commotion, or disagreements that allow shoplifters to take advantage of the situation. Assigning numerous retail security officers and workers to watch different sections of the store is one technique to avoid distraction robberies. Floor walkers (loss prevention agents dressed in uniform) are a useful in preventing theft in general.
However, when staffing is an issue, surveillance systems can also act as deterrent.
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Ensure that each store’s caller ID includes the store name.
Due to caller ID, if a store manager needs to call security and is taken away from the phone, security personnel will immediately know which store they need to attend to.
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Make sure stores’ back-room doors have cameras and alarms
This is a simple intervention, but simple answers can often mean the difference in preventing a crime. Shoplifters can sneak inside storerooms, while staff is fatigued, and crowds are present. An unauthorized entry might be signalled by a beeping alert or a camera that relays the information to a command center like ECAMSECURE’s.
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Look out for stockpiled, planned thefts.
Placing many high-value items in one area, making it feasible to "grab and run" with all of the targeted items at once, is a frequent tactic for large-value thefts. Instruct employees to remove objects that appear to be stacked and return them to their proper locations.
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Stay alert to label changes.
Ensure that the product scanned into the cash register software matches the product purchased by the consumer by training your employees. During retail sales season, some thieves will take advantage of the shopping rush to replace the labels on specific products with a less expensive product.
Following these and other recommendations will help you avoid being surprised by large crowds or any unwanted behaviour. In addition, building a solid retail security strategy with the help of first-rate security professionals may make a world of difference.
