For business owners and managers in Australia’s retail sector, combating theft is naturally a paramount concern. Yes, equipping your company with the right business insurance cover can aid in minimising financial losses to your business resulting from theft or shoplifting, but incidents of crime in your store can still boast negative effects, ranging from damaging your company’s reputation to affecting the safety of your staff and shoppers.
So how can retail franchisees reduce their risks of being targeted by shoplifters? Investing in business security is the short answer here. Business owners are advised to find the right security solutions to suit their retail storefronts.
Here are the top performing strategies for combating theft in Australia’s retail sector, with additional information on each solution so that you can choose the best options for your business.
Business Alarm Systems
One of the most foundational security measures for all retail stores is business alarm systems. These alarm systems are ideal for preventing after-hours break-ins and theft, which are a major risk to most retail businesses.
Today, business owners have the option to invest in specialised, high-performance alarm systems that are designed to generate an alert if motion is detected on or around your premises once the alarm has been set upon shutting up for the night or if the doors are opened when the alarm is enabled. The security company that manages the alarm system can then contact you, the owner or manager, so you can return to the business to investigate and see if there has been a break-in.
In addition to sending an alert to a security company and your device, a business alarm system can have a loud klaxon ringing sound, which can scare thieves and send them running without their ill-gotten gains from your premises.
Retail Security Guards
Some retail stores that are especially busy, like supermarkets and shopping centres, may also opt to invest in manned security solutions. The most common solution for deterring theft in the retail sector is positioning security guards by store entrances and exits.
For a retail business, a security guard can help to deter loss in the form of theft from both members of the public and staff. In addition to this, they can help to spot and apprehend shoplifters who might be trying to pilfer goods from your racks and shelves. Security guards are also expressly trained to provide witness statements for business insurance claims in the event that your store does fall victim to theft.
Retail business owners have the option to invest in third-party security guard services offered by dedicated security firms, or to invest in their own in-house security guard solutions. The benefit of working with third-party security providers is that you can ensure your guards are fully trained in compliance with security industry standards in Australia.
CCTV for Retail Enterprises
Closed-circuit television systems (CCTV), otherwise known as surveillance systems, are another essential form of business security for retail businesses. These camera systems will help combat theft in the retail sector in a variety of ways, acting both as a visible deterrent for any prospective shoplifters, alongside providing evidence that can aid in identifying shoplifters with law enforcement and streamlining the process of pressing charges.
With modern video technologies like 4K definition and facial recognition, CCTV systems today can capture high-resolution images of criminals breaking into your shop. You can then share this footage with the police, who can use your footage to identify and prosecute the criminals responsible for thefts or break-ins and potentially recover the stolen goods.
In addition to being an excellent deterrent and evidence-gathering tool for your retail store, a business can use CCTV to help solve crimes within the vicinity of your CCTV system by sharing the footage with police. This is a great way to perform your civic duty as a responsible business owner. Another benefit of CCTV is that you can aim cameras at aisles and over the register, which will deter would-be shoplifters.
Installing your CCTV system with high-risk aisles and products in mind can also help drastically reduce risks of big-ticket items being stolen – think consumer technologies or jewellery and other luxury retail goods. This makes CCTV security a must-have for retailers operating in consumer tech, jewellery, fashion, and other industries with premium product offerings.
Staff Security Training
As mentioned, theft in the retail sector provides more risks than just financial loss. Opportunistic shoplifters can also pose risks to the safety of your staff and shoppers. This is why it’s imperative to include staff security training in employee onboarding and routine training modules for all retail sector professionals.
Having well-trained team members who understand how to identify suspicious behaviour in the store is crucial for retail theft prevention. Your employees should be encouraged to greet customers as they enter, as this simple interaction can deter potential shoplifters who prefer to go unnoticed by staff so they can pilfer your store.
Training your customer service and floor staff on loss prevention techniques, such as monitoring customer movements safely, can also be beneficial for a retail manager or business owner. Similarly, ensuring staff are well-versed in best practices for responding to an incident of theft is vital for reducing risks of staff and customer injuries, which should be avoided at all costs.
Optimise Store Layouts for Security
Store layout can also play a significant role in preventing theft for a retail business. Measures such as keeping high-value items in locked display cases or near checkout counters ensure they are always in view and not easily accessible and a tempting target.
Clear sightlines and curved mirrors throughout the store help employees and security personnel monitor customer activity easily. Using signage that warns about security measures, such as cameras and anti-theft policies, can also discourage shoplifting.
Keep your Retail Franchise Secure with these Security Investments
Whether you’re looking to buy a retail franchise or upgrade security measures in an existing storefront, considering these key strategies for combating theft in your store can help reduce your enterprise’s risks of being targeted by criminals. With preliminary investments in business alarm systems, CCTV, security guards, staff training and store layout design strategies, you can maintain robust security measures at your retail store and prevent theft over the long term. Keeping your security systems in good working order and updating them regularly to ensure optimal ongoing performance can also help keep your insurance costs low, and keep staff and shoppers safe from year to year.