Retail Store Security Doesn’t Have to be Complicated
A lot of people think that properly securing a retail store is incredibly complicated. It doesn’t have to be! The fear that retail security is difficult (and costly) can prevent business owners from properly securing their properties. Some people think that having effective security is so tough, time-consuming, and expensive that they don’t bother with it at all. Unfortunately, this attitude leaves properties vulnerable.
Here are some tips for improving the security at your retail store without dealing with incredibly complicated or prohibitively expensive processes or tools.
Use your Locks
This is a security practice that likely involves tools that you already have in place. Whenever you close your store for the tonight, make sure to take the time to check that all exterior doors and windows have been locked securely. Use deadbolt locks on doors whenever possible as these tend to be more difficult to break through and tamper with.
Securing all doors, not just the front door, is crucial. For example, in many stores, the back door is used throughout the day for deliveries, employee access, garbage disposal, etc. However, it’s easy to forget about securing it when you lock up at night. Before you leave the property for the evening, spend the time needed to walk around and ensure all doors are locked tightly. Physically check them. Don’t just assume they’re locked.
Protect Cash
Retail stores tend to have a lot of cash on hand, and criminals know this. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect this cash. This can be done in many ways:
- Have managers walk around to cash registers during peak times and discretely remove excess cash. Having too much cash on hand not only leaves your store vulnerable to thieves, but it also increases the likelihood of a busy employee losing track and handing out more change than they should have.
- Store excess cash in a safe in a secure location. Don’t even leave it sitting around on a table or in a bag.
- Maintain a practice that two employees work together to count cash at the end of the night, prepare cash for deposit, and take it to the bank. Having two employees do this job not only keeps them honest, but it also keeps them safe. Criminals often target employees while they are handling cash and the chances of robbery are much higher when a single employee is holding the cash compared to when two employees are working together.
Use Physical Security
Physical security gates put a barrier between criminals and your property. Many robberies these days are smash and grab crimes where criminals gain access by breaking through doors and windows. Criminals often do not try to be discrete about these crimes. Instead, they aim to get in and out of a location quickly, before the authorities can respond to the crime.
If you have physical security gates installed, criminals know that it will be more difficult and time-consuming to access a property. They know that their chances of a successful smash and grab are very, very low. That means, in many cases, they don’t even try.
Acting as a crime deterrent is one big advantage that physical security gates have over tools such as window film. While film may also make it more difficult to smash through glass, criminals don’t know it’s there until they’ve already attempted a break in (and likely caused some damage in the process).
Want some more helpful tips to improving the security of your business? Download our helpful guide to Improving Your Security Mindset.
