Shoplifting and organized retail crime (ORC) are ongoing challenges for many businesses each year. According to the 2020 National Retail Security Survey, “theft, fraud and losses from other retail “shrink” totaled $61.7 billion in 2019, up from $50.6 billion the year before as industry security executives reported increases in the number of shoplifting, organized retail crime and employee theft incidents.”
Obviously, there is a need for enhanced security at retail locations. Whether you’ve experienced challenges related to crime or are interested in enhanced measures to prevent crime from happening to you in the future, here are a few security tips for retail stores that you should consider.
Embrace Access Control Technology
Traditional locks are great and all, but they’re not exactly state-of-the-art. They’re prone to picking and bumping. Retailers can beef up security by implementing digital locks with access control technology, however. These systems range from electronic deadbolts with keys that are programmed to open the lock at specific time ranges to full proxy card and access logging systems. Either way, technology will help you have more control over your locks.
Install Video Surveillance
If you don’t have video surveillance already, now is the time to do it. Even if you do have video surveillance, do you have it everywhere it’s needed? Consider expanding your system to include cameras that monitor the cash registers, the parking lot, inventory/storage areas and all entries or exits. The more angles, the better.
Limit Entrances and Exits
Speaking of entry points, it’s best to keep them at a minimum. The more entrances and exits, the more opportunities for crime to happen (whether from internal or external sources). Consider permanently locking up access points that aren’t needed outside of emergencies and keep track of everyone who enters, either through a keycard or keycode system.
Make Sure All Alarms Are Monitored
While noisy alarms can deter some criminals, they don’t do much in the way of catching them or notifying the appropriate authorities. With a monitored security system, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that all your cameras and alarms are monitored by a professional security company. For example, our sister company A-1 Security Group currently provides sales, system design, cabling, networking, monitoring and servicing of intrusion alarm products.
If you’re interested in security solutions for your retail stores, contact the A-1 Locksmith team today for a consultation.
