Retail businesses are continually under threat of theft, making modern, integrated security measures a priority. Failing to properly secure your premises may leave you vulnerable to significant financial losses. Luckily, there are some easy steps to take that will make your building watertight.

Sovereign Fire & Security is here to provide you with total peace of mind. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and objectives, delivering, installing, and maintaining a system of modern security technologies to keep your retail business safe.

In this blog, our experts provide some top tips for retailers looking to improve their security.

What is Retail Security & Why is it Important?

Retail security refers to the strategy and systems retail businesses put in place to prevent criminal activity. Security is increasingly important for modern retail businesses; in the year 2021/21, there were 274,999 shoplifting offences in England and Wales – and that’s only the recorded ones!

Not only does having a robust security strategy in place help you staff feel protected and confident carrying out their duties, but it also reassures your customers that they are entering a welcoming and safe environment – leading to a better brand image and higher rates of customer retention. And, most importantly, it can minimise the financial losses and disruption you might face as a result of theft and vandalism.

How to Improve Retail Security

The good news is that despite the worrying statistics, it’s easier than ever to run a secure retail business thanks to modern technology and a range of other measures. Here are some tips from the experts at Sovereign Fire & Security for keeping your outlet safe.

Set Policy

First things first, you need to create and implement a shoplifting and security policy that includes the training of all employees. Doing so means your staff will be able to react confidently when they identify a shoplifter or see a crime taking place. You can also provide guidance for staff on deterring crime through customer service – tidying shelves nearby loitering customers, and asking everyone who enters the store if they need help – as well as which suspicious behaviours to look out for.

Hire Security Officers

The presence of security guards in-store is essential for deterring, detecting, and delaying crime. Not only does the sight of a security officer alone stop many criminals in their tracks, but these professionals are trained in handling confrontations with shoplifters – taking the burden and the worry away from your staff who may not have experienced these stressful situations before.

Install CCTV

For the majority of retail premises, CCTV and surveillance systems are an invaluable tool. Most criminals will be deterred by the mere sight of a CCTV camera, and will move on to other opportunities that present them with a lower risk of being caught. And, if they do choose to go ahead with their crime, the camera will capture their actions and make prosecution much easier down the line.

A Beginner’s Guide to Different Types of CCTV Cameras and Systems >

Implement Advanced Security System

A high-tech security system is integral to any successful retail security strategy, providing critical after hours protection. Activated after closing up for the day, they can detect any kind of forced entry using window, door, and motion detectors, and send an alert to the authorities in the event of a crime. And, by choosing a 24/7 hour, 365 day monitored alarm, you’ll gain access to a professional monitoring team who will quickly distinguish between false alarms and real crimes, sending verified alerts to the police who will take the report more seriously.

Consider Access Control

Access control systems are worth considering if you want to gain total visibility over people’s movements within your retail store. Each member of staff will have their own unique code for accessing certain locations like the stock room. As a result, the system can track who’s going where and when. If valuable items go missing, the logs will help you identify the source of the problem and take remedial action.

Access control >

Invest in EAS

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is a great way to protect your inventory on a product-by-product basis. Each item of merchandise can be labelled with its own security tag, which causes an alarm to sound if someone crosses the threshold of the store without buying it. When someone does buy the item, all a cashier has to do is deactivate or remove the EAS tag.

Shut Up Shop Securely

When your shop or retail premises is closed, the physical defences you put in place are mission critical for preventing theft. First and foremost, choose a quality lock system for all external doors like cylinder locks with deadbolts. You should also regularly rekey or replace your system as employees might lose or fail to return their copies when they leave. It’s also a good idea to have robust window shutters installed to prevent burglars and vandals smashing your shop window, and ensure your stock room is keycode or card protected.

Don’t Store Cash

Finally, don’t store cash onsite. Doing so is an immediate threat to your business’ profit margins and an inevitable draw for thieves. Instead, make daily bank deposits or invest in a cash drop, electronic, or traditional combination safe. That way, if someone does manage to get inside your building, they won’t have easy access to cash.

Secure Your Retail Premises with Sovereign Fire & Security

With years of experience supporting the fire and security strategies of a host of retail organisations, we’re here to help you protect your business. From advanced security systems to video surveillance and access control, we install, maintain, and monitor the full spectrum of security technology from a host of market leading brands.

To find out more about how we can help you keep your business safe, contact us today.

Read next: How to Create an Effective Security Strategy for Your Organisation