Is your business prepared for the fall weather?
The fall weather is here and soon the season will officially be on its way. This means darker mornings, shorter days, cooler weather, and much more. Protecting your business is important all year, here are a few tips to help remind you of the risks during the fall.
Here are Three security tips.
Prepare for Darkness
During the fall, the days are shorter. This means more darkness in the morning hours and an earlier sunset. This can affect your business security in many ways.
One way is that criminals take advantage of the darkness to strike. They know that it’s easier to hide in the dark, that they’re less likely to be spotted, and that there will be fewer people outside after the sun has set. To protect yourself from this, make sure that you install appropriate lighting on the outside of your business and that your existing lighting is working and placed effectively.
Remember that video surveillance cameras may not be able to capture high quality footage when there is less light. This is another reason why installing lighting is important. When an area is well-lit, it makes it easier for cameras to record clear footage.
Criminals know that they’re less likely to be caught in the act of a smash and grab robbery during the colder months, since there is less light and fewer people around to see their actions. Installing physical security gates on your property will drastically reduce the risk of these crimes.
It’s also important that staff members are aware and alert when walking to and from your business. It’s easier for criminals to hide when its dark, and robberies and assaults are more likely during this time of year. Whenever possible, have staff walk out of your business in pairs or groups.
Watch for Shoplifters
Another side effect of the cooler weather is that people are more likely to be wearing bulky coats, sweatshirts, and sweaters. While the vast majority of people wear these for warmth, shoplifters know that these articles of clothing make it easier to stash the items they have stolen. It’s hard to hide stolen goods inside a t-shirt, but it’s very easily to slip something into a coat pocket.
It’s important that staff members be alert for shoplifters. Train them to greet each customer who walks into the store. Not only does this serve as good customer service, but it also lets criminals know that staff is aware of them. As people move through the store, staff should keep their eyes on them and speak with anyone who is acting suspicious or taking an unusually long time. This doesn’t mean confronting them. All a staff member likely needs to do is ask if there is anything they can do to help. Again, this lets the person know that they’re being watched while also providing good customer service.
Lock up
Check up and retrain your staff who locks up at night. Make sure everything is put away cleaned up and secure before leaving. Check that all back doors are locked, offices and storage rooms are locked. If security gates are used to protect the storefront windows, make sure they are properly locked up as well. The owner or manager should check all locks
Want some more helpful tips to improving the security of your business? Download our helpful guide to Improving Your Security Mindset.
