How to reduce loss in retail
Most retail companies will tell you about the high losses that occur in the retail industry. This is simply because of how busy retail outlets are. Hundreds of people visit the outlets and stores suffer at the hands of opportunist and professional thieves.
The question is then, is a there a way of reducing the risk and reducing the losses?
The simple answer is yes, and many retail outlets have already put measures in place. We will explore some of these measures, why companies use them and how, if you are in the retail business, can benefit from incorporating them.
Having professionally trained security guards are probably the oldest yet still the most effective way of protecting, staff, customers, products and assets in a retail outlet.
Instructing an SIA approved contractor to supply the security staff is essential. Approved contractors employ security staff who are experienced and licensed, offering you the best in security guards.
Security guards serve manny purposes in securing premises.
First and foremost, retail security guards serve as a visual deterrent. Both opportunist and professional thieves will be less likely to commit a crime if they see a security a presence in the store.
Security guards are dressed in smart security uniform clearly highlighting who they are and why they are there.
Security guards are also vigilant and keep a close eye on people in the store – with experience backing their judgement, they are much more likely to prevent people from committing a crime and stopping the retailer from losing money.
The great thing about using a security provider such as All Time Security is that they ensure that all their security guards are trained in delivering great customer service. This means that not only will they serve as a strong security presence, they will also be polite and helpful towards customer and staff.
Both customers and staff will feel more confident and relaxed to be in the store knowing that there is a professionally trained security guard or a team of security guards in store, keeping an eye on their safety.
Many retailers know that a great supplement to trained security staff is having skilled CCTV operators. These are highly trained individuals who have the ability to use sophisticated systems and are trained in knowing what to look out for.
Both security guards and CCTV operators are skilled in effective communication, conflict resolution and statement writing.
Product Protection
Part of securing a retail outlet is protecting its products. Rather than just focusing on using security guards to apprehend and prevent thieves, it is a good idea to put measures in place to make it difficult to steal high-value items.
If high-value items are accessible, they should be restricted in the amounts on the shelves.
For example, if you sell perfumes that are high value, and have 10 on display, then you could potentially lose all 10. If you, however, only have 2, then you can only lose 2.
Many retailers think about using alarms and safer cases on their high-value items – this effectively deters people from trying to steal them.
If you are looking for a professional and an SIA approved contractor to help identify vulnerabilities, offer a detail risk assessment and provide highly trained and qualified security guards, contact All Time Security now.
