Keeping Your Business Safe: Shopping Security Tips for Business Owners
With criminals increasingly targeting businesses, store owners must stay ahead by implementing smart security measures to protect their stores, staff and customers.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications at Fidelity Services Group, warns that vigilance is key.
“Business owners need to be vigilant, ensure their CCTV is working, and remain alert to suspicious activity. We recommend that at least two staff members always carry hidden panic buttons. Visitors to these outlets must also be especially vigilant. Generally, the suspects are after the till money and not out to rob the customers, but it is still a high-alert situation,” says Hattingh.
From controlled entrances to secure cash handling and proper surveillance, a few strategic measures can go a long way in reducing risk.
Here’s what business owners should be doing to improve safety and security.
- Controlled entrances are important in preventing over-crowding in your premises, make sure you have measures in place to restrict movement at entrances and exits to your business, for both staff and customers.
- Be alert during opening and closing times. Always work in pairs to prevent being surprised or being overpowered by criminals. Train your staff to ask for identification before allowing entry to the premises.
- Never leave drop safe or any safe keys unattended or behind in store when leaving
- Always conduct a thorough sweep of the store before closing and locking up, as there is an increasing trend of suspects hiding inside before closing to commit criminal activities once the store is closed.
- Always respond to a call-out from your security site team when requested after hours due to a burglar alarm activation. This assists centre security in verifying and inspecting the store for any suspicious activity.
- Test your panic button with centre security at least once a week to ensure it is functioning correctly.
- Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks. If you use padlocks, they should be made of steel and kept locked at all times. Remember to remove serial numbers from your locks, to prevent unauthorised keys from being duplicated.
- Windows should have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass. Consider installing metal grates on all your windows except display windows.
- Always use the services of a reputable company when selecting security officers. Always rotate security officers and insist that they are vetted on a regular basis
- Keep your cash register in plain view from the outside of your business, so it can be monitored by police during the day or at night. Leave it open and empty after closing.
- Be sure your safe is fireproof and securely anchored. Remember to change your security password when an employee who has had access to it leaves your business.
- Always invest in an alarm, CCTV and an electronic article surveillance system that meets your level of security needs. Learn how to use your system properly and check the system daily. It is advisable to run a test when closing.
- Most importantly is the updating of your keyholders before closing your business for any holiday season. Make sure that all the relevant information is updated should your security provider need to contact you or the person in charge.
We recommend that business owners in these high-risk areas consult their security providers to do a full risk assessment to ensure the premises and staff are fully protected against this type of crime,” concludes Hattingh.