Property Safety and Security

ADT, Inc. AlarmGuard Holdings, Inc. Axcess International, Inc. Beghelli Spa BELL GROUP PLC Biometrics Ltd Burns International Services Corporation Cie Europeenne De Telesecurite C.e.t. Cipe France Sa Command Security Corporation Compudyne Corporation Cst France Eff-Eff Fritz Fuss Gmbh & CO Kgaa Electronic Control Security Inc. Extreme Cctv Inc Fichet-bauche Sa Finx Group, Inc. (the) FRISCO BAY INDUSTRIES LTD. Gray Security Services Guardian International

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Guide to Creating a Security Plan for a Retail Business

Sure-fire ways to safeguard your store and reduce losses
By Geoff Kohl

Retail businesses are favorite targets for criminal activity. You have stuff; criminals want stuff. Therein lies the problem. Every retailer needs to be aware that losses due to shoplifting and internal theft are a very real threat, but you don’t need to throw in the towel. With a little preparation, you can create a comprehensive retail security plan that will minimize losses. With the tools provided in this guide, you’ll be able to put a security plan in action that will help you:

1. Reduce shoplifting.
2. Protect your building from break-ins.
3. Protect yourself and your employees from violence.
4. Save some money!

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get an assessment A good plan starts with a security/risk assessment. You can take the low-cost route and do this yourself or hire a professional.

I recommend:  If you have the money, consider hiring an independent security consultant. Many commercial security systems providers also offer assessments. ADT’s commercial division happens to be offering a free retail security info pack right now, take advantage of the free info. Sometimes even your local police department may be willing to share their thoughts on your business’ security. I really like this simple checklist (in a PDF format) as a tool for doing just that. If your business is a convenience store type of design, the state of North Carolina has some security tips that should be part of your plan, too.

Secure your premises Defying shrinkage (theft from retailers) means starting with a secure building. Not only should you have good quality locks, but you should have a monitored alarm system. Don’t forget to have the installer add panic buttons, a.k.a. hold-up alarms. Mounted under a counter at the cashier station, they give an instant alarm signal to police for situations such as in-progress robberies or other serious crimes.

I recommend:  Call your local security systems dealer. Protection One, Vector Security, ADT are just a few of the companies in this business. At the very least, get a full-featured alarm system with a control pad, motion sensors, glass break sensors and door/window lines are cut. The Honeywell/Ademco “Vista” panels offer a full range of features for businesses, even allowing you to upgrade to electronic access control (such as electronic ID cards that open doors) and video surveillance if you should need that. Bosch’s G series systems can control fire systems, burglary and access control. DSC is another vendor to review.

Add video surveillance Surveillance cameras, also called CCTV for closed circuit television, is a popular addition to retail security. It’s great for i