Whether you are starting a new business or looking for new ways to shore up security at an established business, it is always a good idea to stay abreast of the latest loss prevention techniques and technology. All retail businesses will at some point, regrettably, have to deal with theft. But you’re not alone. There are many different ways to cut down on it. Let’s learn about business security options that are both effective and affordable.
Locks
A no-brainer, of course – but not all locks are created equal! There is a wide spectrum of commercial door locks of varying sizes and strengths. Do you trust a simple, old fashioned lock-and-key to do the job? Perhaps you need a larger deadbolt. There are a number of heavy-duty flat and angle strike deadbolts on the market. Be wary of pre-existing locks, especially when moving into a new space. Consider contacting a reputable locksmith to have a look at your locks and to give you a rundown on your options. Location is going to factor in, too. Is your business downtown or in a rural area? This will undoubtedly effect the level of security you need.
ID Cards And Pin Pads
Related to locks is the greater question of access throughout your entire business. Who is allowed to access what – and when can they access it? Can your employees enter the business at all hours of the night? How many keys do you feel comfortable having cut and distributed? If you do not feel that a lock-and-key system is reliable, you can easily implement an ID card system. Simply purchase an ID card printer and make plastic cards for each of your employees. You will be able designate various levels of access for each individual card. You can also program in access to computers and storage areas. Another possibility is to replace your locks with numeric pin pads. Just be sure to change the key code regularly – and only give it out to people you trust.
Security Guards And Mystery Shoppers
Depending on the size of your business, you might want to consider retaining full or part-time security personnel. Simply the presence of a security guard has been shown to cut down on thefts and problematic behavior. Even if the guard doesn’t physically stop someone from stealing, they may deter them from taking the risk. Another resource to consider is mystery shoppers. While mystery shoppers are generally thought of as a way of maintaining high business standards – e.g., ensuring that employees are being polite, professional, and following company guidelines – certain secret shopper programs offer loss prevention services as well. After all, a potential thief will almost certainly be less wary of doing something illegal around a regular ‘customer’ than they would be around a security guard.
Loss prevention is a challenging and, frankly, unpleasant aspect of life in the retail world. Theft is going to happen whether we like it or not. It’s your job to do everything you can to keep it to a minimum. There are plenty of options out there for you to consider!
