Protecting Cannabis Stores
Cannabis became legal for recreational use in Canada on October 17, 2018. In many regions of the country, this means that legal cannabis retail stores are now open for business. In addition, several US states have decriminalized or legalized marijuana as well, resulting in marijuana dispensaries and cannabis retail stores operating in several states.
Of course, as with any retail store, security is important. With cannabis, as with stores that sell alcohol or medication, security becomes increasingly critical. In fact, several regions have strict laws regarding physical security requirements for cannabis retail stores. In order to have a license to sell cannabis legally, your location must be secure.
Varied Security is Key
As with any location, the key to keeping a cannabis retail store secure is a varied security plan that includes physical security tools. This means that a combination of alarm systems, video surveillance cameras, and physical security gates and bars is the best way to keep your property safe.
Alarm systems can be monitored by an alarm system provider and can be configured so that police are contacted as soon as a break-in occurs. However, it is important to keep in mind that many smash and grab robberies take only seconds.
Security cameras can help you gather information after a break-in, however, it’s important to remember that they do not prevent against the break-in itself. That said, the details captured by security cameras can be important when you are filing reports with the police or your insurance company.
Physical security tools (such as bars and gates) prevent access to your property. Most smash and grab robberies happen with baseball bats, bricks, rocks, crowbars, or other such tools. Breaking into a retail store with these tools simply isn’t possible if strong security gates are installed correctly. Criminals know this, and they tend to avoid locations that have physical security installed.
Protect All Points of Entry
When you are having security gates installed at your property, it’s important to protect all possible entry points. Front doors and storefront windows are obviously important to secure, but make sure to also protect side doors and any other locations that criminals could use to access your property.
After all, your location is only as safe as its weakest point of entry.
Locked Cabinets and Display Cases
In addition to securing your doors and windows, it’s also a good idea to protect cabinets, shelves, and display cases that store product. This way, even if criminals are able to gain access to your property, they will have great difficulty actually stealing your inventory.
Securing valuables also protects you from shoplifters. Cannabis retail stores can be tempting for shoplifters, as the product is small and easy to hide inside a pocket or bag while remaining valuable. Despite legalization, a black market for marijuana still exists and you will need to take precautions to avoid theft. By locking valuables behind gates or inside secure cabinets, you keep shoplifters from being able to steal them while making it easy for store staff to access your product.
