Retail security: Five easy steps to making sure you safeguard your business

The United Kingdom is now breaking new records for all the wrong reasons, the Centre of Retail Research related Britain’s thieving total for 2009 was at a record high and even though it was claimed that it did reduce a little in 2010 to 4.4 billion that this is, sadly, likely to demonstrate the exception to the rule with future forecasts presaging a continuing increase.

Now if you were asked to think about those responsible for this increase you would probably list the obvious; criminal gangs, pro people, someone just making the most of a straightforward opportunity but here are a couple of eye openers: there is currently a substantial rise in the middle classes shoplifting from outlets to aid in keeping up the lifestyle that they had become accustomed to before they were impacted by the recession.

Owning a retail business could be a troublesome task if efficient retail security measures aren't established to guard customers, stock and premises. Implementing cost effective security measures can make sure that margins are defended and that stock does not walk out of the door. Here are 5 safety features to safeguard a retail business against burglary and criminal activity.

1. Manned and uniformed security guards - having a presence at the entrance to the retail store acts as a visual dissuasive to unwanted illegal activity. Retail store owners can employ a retail security guard that's either stationed at the entrance or can wander around the store as a mobile stumbling block. For bigger stores, a manned guard team can be employed to operate a security presence across the store, making sure visibility at all points.

2. Plain clothes retail security guards - by operating in plain attire, undercover security guards attract less attention and can work closer to customers and potential security issues. By being plain dressed, these security guards can get closer without arising suspicion and so can add a secondary layer to a retail businesses security.

3. Electronic stock tags - having an electronic stock tag implemented on each stock item is a powerful dissuasive if visible security measures have not deterred the criminality. As each stock item is purchased, the assistant has to get rid of the safety tag. Any items which aren't bought and handled by store staff will set off an alarm on store exit. The alarm is then heard by everyone including security staff, general staff and customers.

4. Lock Drawers for high value stock - high value items should be on display in low quantities, and also placed within locked glass cupboards. By doing this, customers have to request access from retail staff, ensuring that a retail security staff member can take responsibility and care over the high worth items.

5. Trained retail staff - training retail staff to recognize all visitors and customers to the grounds acts a robust obstruction as potential burglars will feel their presence under consideration at all points. By asking consumers if they would like any help, retail staff can not only help to increase sales, but also deter criminal activity.

If you were to follow these easy laws then you'll find that your cash has been invested wisely and will turn out to be one of the most cost effective techniques of keeping up your profits.

The author is a fully qualified, SIA Licensed Close Protection Officer. He has been tasked with the protection of some of the elite of Hollywood and top international industrialists and has been involved within the security industry since 1999.

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