Improving Retail Security for the Holidays
The holiday season is nearly here and this means that many retailers and other businesses are already preparing for this busy time. However, while you’re stocking your shelves, ordering in extra product, and making sure that you have adequate staff to cover everyone’s vacation, it’s also a very good idea to consider making improvements to your retail security set-up.
The likelihood of a robbery, break-in, or other crime increases greatly around this time of year. One reason why is because there is greater desire to steal during the holidays. Much like people are more likely to shop as the holidays approach, criminals are more likely to steal. The items they take can be sold much more quickly on the black market during the holidays.
In addition, many retail stores and other businesses are busier at this time of year, while simultaneously having fewer staff members on hand due to vacations. Criminals exploit these facts to strike.
Finally, it gets darker earlier during the winter, and there are fewer hours of daylight, which means that criminals have more opportunities to commit crimes without being seen.
How to Improve Retail Security for the Holidays
There are several ways that you can improve security at your retail store or business during the holidays.
- Make sure you have enough staff
- As mentioned, many businesses deal with lower than optimal staff levels during this time of year, due to people taking vacation time. Employees are also more likely to use sick days during this time of year as colds and flus are more common.
- Make sure that you have enough staff members to adequately cover all shifts. You may need to consider hiring temporary workers to make this possible. Even if you do, the additional expense will be worth it if it cuts down on shoplifting and other crimes.
- Use physical security
- During the holidays, many stores arrange eye-catching window displays featuring in-demand products to attract customers. However, these displays also attract criminals. Installing security gates on windows and doors can drastically reduce the likelihood of a smash and grab robbery.
- Not only do security gates place a physical barrier between criminals and your property, but they also serve as a strong visual deterrent. When criminals see that a location has security gates installed, they know that it will be much more difficult to gain access. In many cases, they just move on to another location rather than risk being caught in the act.
- Don’t forget cybersecurity
- You’ve likely heard of the various high-profile data breaches and hacks that have affected retailers in recent years. These situations become more likely during the holidays. To combat these crimes, make sure that your cybersecurity efforts are up-to-date and working correctly. Also, ensure that you have a process in place to respond to a security breach quickly if one should occur.
Want some more helpful tips to improving the security of your business? Download our helpful guide to Improving Your Security Mindset.
