The holiday season is upon us, bringing not only joy and festivities but also an increase in retail activity. About 54% of business owners report more theft than usual around the holidays. Investing in enhanced business security measures is a good choice if you’re looking to safeguard your business this season. Let’s review about a few strategies to keep your customers, employees, and merchandise safe and secure.
Safeguard Your Inventory
The first note may seem obvious, but now is a good time to remind yourself to prioritize your most expensive inventory. High-ticket items like electronic devices, jewelry, and designer products carry a disproportionate level of risk. A single instance of retail theft could cost you thousands. That’s why it’s important that you lock up your most expensive inventory. Creating specific security measures for these items in particular is not a waste of time. Using padlocks, dedicated cases with thick plastic, or assigning staff or guards to monitor particular items will make it more difficult for shoplifters to access expensive items and can pre-emptively combat theft.
Set Up Cameras Around Your Shop
Cameras can act as a deterrent for those who would consider shoplifting from your store this holiday season. When criminals see cameras around inventory that they’re looking to snatch, they’ll think twice before trying to steal it. After all, no one wants their face associated with shoplifting. Make sure the cameras cover key areas such as entrances, exits, and high-traffic zones. Those signs indicating that the premises are under surveillance aren’t just legal disclaimers; they also add effectiveness to the system by making it more visible. If someone does manage to steal something, cameras can show you exactly who did it. You can show these videos to the police as evidence of the theft and evaluate the incident for opportunities to improve security.
Invest In Visible Human Security Presence
Security cameras are a big help, but studies show that only 44% of thieves are deterred by security cameras. However, that number almost doubles when you have visibly attentive employees, especially security guards. Adding the presence of security guards inside and outside the store makes it clear to customers and potential thieves that you take safety and security seriously. Parking lot patrols are also a good idea when creating an all-encompassing security plan.
Test All Security Equipment
Cameras, manual locks, electronically controlled locks, and tag sensors that safeguard inventory require regular testing. Management should ensure that these tools work as intended, or they will be ineffective. Cameras should be checked for obstructions, locks should be tested to ensure that they are in full working order, and the tag sensors at entrances and exits should be tested to ensure they sound the proper alarms. It’s also important to take extra time to ensure that holiday decorations and additional shelving have not been placed in front of cameras or in high-traffic areas.
Perform Background Checks on Seasonal Employees
The holidays in retail come with seasonal employees. You’ll be giving a whole new set of people access to your inventory. Performing thorough background checks may seem like overkill for a temporary employee, but, in reality, it may be more important. Someone with a criminal history may apply for a seasonal job with the intention of stealing merchandise via authorized access. There are a number of online professional background check tools these days. Find one and start using it to ensure you only hire trustworthy employees.
Enhance Your Holiday Business Security
While the holidays can be a time of great profit, they also invite more theft than other times. Securing your retail store during the holiday season requires combining technology, training, and a proactive approach. By implementing these measures, you will protect your assets and create a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for your customers. A secure store is not only a deterrent to potential criminals but also a testament to your commitment to the well-being of your customers and employees alike.
Now that you know how to promote your business security and safeguard your inventory, it’s time to take professional loss prevention measures. Contact BlueChip to learn more about how we can help you protect your retail property today.
