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Reduce Inventory Loss, Gain Potential Profits with Strict Security Presence
According to the Retail Council of Canada Loss Prevention, Rui Rodrigues, in an interview, “Retail crime has caused Canada’s Economy to lose $5 B. These numbers are pre-pandemic but continuously rising.” Therefore, it is crucial to have a professional security protocol deployed at retail stores for the safety of businesses and customers.
The presence of retail security officers creates deterrence to potential criminals and ensures the safety and security of the retail precinct and shoppers. The core responsibilities of retail security officers include; identifying potential threats, ensuring loss prevention, and neutralizing any sudden situation to prevent losses. 247 Gard Retail Security exactly does the same, and it has the most affordable and customized retail security packages. If you are a business owner, growing your business in this bustling economy, a free consultation of price quotes is a great place to start.
Role of Security Presence in the Retail Industry
Visible Deterrence
A strong security presence in the retail store creates a visible deterrence to vandals. The patrolling security guards are the fundamental aspects of the deterrence strategy. In this deterrence strategy, the security guards ensure vigilant surveillance of the premises to warn wrongdoers that the precinct is fully protected.
Tactical guards further improvise this deterrence strategy as they are armed and equipped with the essential gadgets. They are highly trained professionals to overcome sudden situations like thieves breaking into the store, a group of vandals attacking the store, prioritizing customers’ safety first, giving first aid to customers in need, and managing the crowd on sale day. In a nutshell, both unformed and tactical guards significantly impact crime reduction through their presence.
Surveillance and Monitoring
Surveillance of the retail store increases when digital surveillance blends with physical surveillance. The use of CCTV cameras and their strict monitoring help physical security to take quick action against shoplifters. Digital cameras are strategically placed throughout the store to provide continuous monitoring, create deterrence, and alert physical guards to take action in real time.
Moreover, adding the latest technologies to your surveillance system further strengthens your security environment in your retail business. To mention a few;
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) – This technology is widely used in retail stores to trigger alarms when a tagged item is moved beyond the defined range. This method effectively prevents theft and loss and protects your inventory. Security guards can even verify from the CCTV footage who are the real culprits and help with further investigation.
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) – This technology uses specially designed tags for merchandise items; an alarm triggers when the tagged items go beyond the detection zone. EAS is a special technology you can use both ways inside the packaging or outside of the products.
Security guards ensure to counter false alarm incidents, avoiding inconvenience for customers and staff.
Response to Emergencies
The security officers have to respond swiftly to emergencies for the safety of customers and staff. A comprehensive crisis management plan, which is supported by full training sessions, is essential to handle any unexpected situations.
The security officers in the retail stores undergo rigorous training programs to become vigilant and quick observers to handle emergencies like first aid, CPR, and emergency evacuation plans and implementation.
Aggressive customers sabotaging the retail store’s peaceful environment is uncommon at the store. Retail security officers are highly trained in de-escalating techniques, including calm and convincing conversation, maintaining a safe distance, and observing body language to prepare for escalation.
But guards are trained to try their foremost to de-escalate the situation with aggressive shoppers, keeping in mind the safety of everyone present at the store.
Employees Involved in Theft
The disappearance of inventory items from the retail stores is a sign of concern for the business owners. Focusing on growing the business and maintaining top-quality customer service, they cannot afford to bear the loss at the backend.
Implementing effective theft control strategies is crucial for the well-being of the retail business, including keeping an eye on employees through behavioural monitoring and an anonymous reporting system within the workplace.
Drawing strict policies regarding theft and fraud, and scheduling the employees to be a part of ethics training programs ensure reducing theft incidents. Educating employees about the importance of ethics, integrity, and the potential consequences of theft they would have to face results in helping make the workforce profitable and safe.
Access Control System for Employees
Establishing an access control system in the retail business delivers positive results. Restricting unauthorized employees entering stockrooms, cash offices, and access to the customer data system streamline your backend headaches. Installing CCTV cameras in sensitive places in your store helps spread deterrence among employees.
A record system should be kept with the latest gadgets to make a history of employees’ activities like how many times an employee roams around the cash office or stockroom. This surveillance strategy helps you avoid future losses and take immediate measures to keep your inventory and other valuable stuff safe.
