Since the holiday season has arrived, it’s time to start thinking of ways to prevent robberies in retail. The holidays are a favorite for pickpockets and thieves because there tends to be more money than usual stored on-site; with increased foot traffic coming through each store of course. Since these types of crimes happen with some regularity during this time of the year, here are four ideas that you can test out in efforts to prevent robberies in your retail business during the holiday season.
1. Use An Alarm System
This is a system that any retail business can use to prevent robberies in retail. These systems work by notifying security or authorities immediately when someone tries entering the store through a locked door with force, an employee is detained against their will, and when there’s been a breach of the perimeter. While the alarm is going off, employees have enough time to enter a code that will stop the alarm from sounding. This gives them enough time to assess the situation and provide assistance when needed.
It’s very important to make sure that you manage your alarm system effectively. Make sure the codes are at least six digits long and don’t share them with anyone. You can also use this strategy when leaving the store after the close. Make sure to set the alarm so it’s ready in case someone tries forcing their way inside while you’re gone.
2. Ensure Proper Lighting
It will be difficult for someone to rob you if they can’t even see where they’re going. This is why having proper lighting around your retail building and in areas where there’s a lot of foot traffic is so important. Not only will it help customers navigate the store more easily, but it will also help security guards watching from a distance as well as cameras see what’s going on.
This is one of the easiest ways to prevent robberies in retail as long as you have a properly working commercial security lighting system. If one of your lights goes out, have an employee replace it immediately so it doesn’t open up a window for criminals who are looking to break into your store. Also, this strategy will also help to increase your company’s energy efficiency by not having lights on all day and night if they aren’t needed.
3. Add Security Cameras
If you can’t be at your retail location to protect it, the next best thing is to have security cameras installed so you can watch what’s happening even when you’re not there. One of the best things about this strategy is that criminals who are thinking about breaking into or robbing your store will know that they’re being watched and that you have a record of their actions. This mild threat will be enough to keep them from trying anything. However, according to the security experts at Cerberus, the security Cameras for Businesses must be placed correctly so they can’t be seen. A criminal knows how to hide from a security camera by staying out of its line of sight or by covering up the lens so being able to monitor the cameras gives you an edge when it comes to knowing what’s happening all of the time. It can also help with employee monitoring, especially when it comes to employees stealing from your business.
4. Use a Safe
If you want to take all of the precautions at your disposal, then it’s a good idea to consider having a safe installed in your retail location. This is especially effective because these safes are equipped with alarms and buttons that employees can press. In addition to this, they’re also fireproof so can’t be damaged by fire or water which can happen during a robbery.
If you use one of these safes, make sure employees know how to work with it and be realistic about what can fit inside. It’s no good for someone to put their belongings inside only to realize the safe is filled with the most expensive merchandise. You want people to feel comfortable using this strategy while also keeping valuable items safe.
These are just some strategies that you can use to help prevent robberies in your retail location or business. They’re not foolproof, but they will certainly give you the upper hand when it comes to stopping criminals who are looking for an easy target. If you want to know more about keeping your business safe, contact a security company that offers services in your area. It’s important to always be prepared and ready for such incidents.
