Retail Security Tips

Running a retail store can be financially risky enough without worrying about shoplifters, burglars, and all manner of thieves. Whether the topic is home security or retail, you will want to do everything you can to protect yourself, and business.  In this post, we’ll take a look at 5 essential factors to consider in maximizing retail security.

Use Signage to Your Advantage

More customers that visit your store daily, the higher the risk of shoplifting. Shops can get crowded for the holidays, which is why any trick that could minimize stealing is welcome.

Using signs to your advantage as they might scare off a potential thief. For example, put up a sign that cameras are installed in the store. Additionally, use signage to announce that you will call the police regardless of the value of the stolen goods.

Lock Your Doors

It’s time to close the store, retail security starts with the basics: locking the doors. Apart from exterior doors, you should also lock interior doors, especially those leading to areas with valuable goods inside. If a burglar comes through the exterior door, they will face another obstacle that makes their job harder. Apart from locking doors, you should also consider holding the most valuable goods in locked cabinets or safes.

Consulting professional Milwaukee security door experts is the best way of ensuring that you maximize store security. Experienced locksmiths will tell you about the best solutions and tailor them to your facility’s needs.

#3 Install Alarms and Security Cameras

Cameras have become a crucial point in both home and retail security. You can get cameras with zooming, tilting, and other features. However, the crucial safety characteristic is that they come with night vision. You can also connect cameras to an alarm system and even mobile apps. Make sure to consult local laws and regulations about where you can install the cameras.

An alarm system is another basic component of maximizing store security. The task of the alarm is to detect motion, broken windows, or door openings. In case of a breach, the system will notify you immediately.

#4 Keep Your Lights On

Burglars love dark areas and unilluminated stores, which is why lighting can help you resist them. The logic is simple – there is less chance of someone noticing a thief in low-lighting conditions. Additionally, some cameras might not work in the dark, and the footage quality might not be useful.

#5 How to Avoid Internal Thefts

Apart from applying retail security tips, it is also crucial that your employees are trustworthy. If things go missing from your store, can you claim that someone from your staff didn’t take them?

Thefts can be internal, which is why you should pick your employees carefully.

Here is how to minimize internal theft risk:

Background check – try to get as much information about each staff member before hiring them. Don’t rush the screening process and take time to get to know the candidate.

Limited access – consider setting user permissions for different areas or jobs. For example, don’t let all employees near the cash register, or stop some of them from entering the warehouse where you keep the merchandise.

Keep your staff content – if the employees like working for you, then chances are they won’t think about stealing anything.

Finally, make sure that you have enough staff available at each point. It is easy to distract a single employee, but it is hard for a thief to go unnoticed when there are more of them around.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post.  As always, we suggest that you contact a locksmith or security professional when securing your retail business.  If you are located in the greater Milwaukee area, we are your go-to source, so don’t hesitate to reach out.