Simple Steps you can Take to Help Secure your Retail Store

Ways to Improve Retail Store Security Today

If you own or manage a retail store, you know how important security is. However, when many people think of security, they think of expensive and elaborate set-ups that require a lot of time and money.The good news is that these aren’t the only ways that you can secure your retail store. There are several methods you can use that are simple and easy, but still very effective.

Here are a few ways that you can improve your retail store security today.

Lighting

Lighting doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it needs to be present. Well-lit areas are targeted significantly less often by criminals. They don’t want to be caught in the act, so they strike properties where they can conduct their crimes without being spotted. In many cases, this involves targeting areas that are not well-lit.

Take a look at your retail store from the outside at night. Many store owners aren’t concerned with how their store looks when it’s closed, but this is important. Most criminals will strike when your store is closed, so you’ll need to make sure that it is well-lit and visible from the street. Add lighting to all potential entry points, including side doors, windows and back doors. This will discourage criminals.

Increase Visibility

In addition to adding lighting, take other steps to make your property more visible. This can include cutting back trees or bushes and relocating signage or displays. As mentioned, criminals do not want to be seen committing a crime. If they can hide behind a bush while they attempt a break-in, they will. Remove any possible hiding spots from your property, especially those that are located near doors and windows.

Look for Weaknesses

Take a look at your current property and try to think like a criminal. Is there anything about your store that makes it look like an easy target? For example, is there a heavy, yet movable garbage can near a window? This can easily be used to smash through your window. Think about how you would break into your location if you wanted to. Have a friend or nearby business owner do the same. Secure or eliminate anything that could be a weakness.

Move Merchandise out of Windows at Night

It makes sense to put merchandise in your windows during business hours. You want people who are walking by to be able to see what you have for sale. However, when your store is closed, these displays turn into invitations for criminals.

Add Visual Deterrents

Criminals are significantly less likely to choose a target that is protected. Doing so just isn’t worth the risk for them. Therefore, it’s important that you add visual deterrents to your property. What is a visual deterrent? It is anything that lets criminals know that breaking into your retail store will be tough. It could be a series of locks on your door or a security camera pointed at the street, but physical security is possibly the best visual deterrent.

Security gates let criminals know that your location is secured. While window film may make it more difficult to break into a location, it can’t be easily seen and so criminals are not deterred. Security gates solve this problem. When you are reviewing your property, look for ways to let criminals know that attempting a break-in at your retail store just isn’t worth it.

If you need help selecting a gate, please feel free to contact a member of our team. We’ll be more than happy to help you out in any way we can.