The pandemic has affected every sphere of our lives, and in-store retail, among other industries, has felt a profound impact. In the past two years, retail industry players have been introduced to new and familiar business protection challenges. Both in-store and online commerce have been exposed to numerous security threats.
COVID-19 has pushed our lives further online and has either prevented or discouraged offline shopping. However, as lockdown measures are gradually lifting, consumers are getting back to in-store shopping. This brings up potential issues, in terms of security. To enhance security inside your store, we’ve compiled retail security tips from our end.
- Implement Monitored Alarms
Time is critical during a break-in. It only takes criminals a few minutes to burglarize your store. Stay connected to your store by installing monitored alarms. These devices can be installed to detect an open door, broken window or motion. Once triggered, an audible alarm sounds to ward off intruders. At the same time, an alert is sent to your mobile device as well as the monitoring centre, which then dispatches the proper authorities. - Integrate Access Control
Access control technology allows retailers to limit who has admittance to areas of your store. By assigning employees unique codes, you’ll know when members of your staff arrive at work and what areas they access at any time. For example, if something is missing from the stock room, time logs can show which employees were in that room and when. This can help you identify the culprit. - Strengthen Network Security
Today’s retail stores are much different from those of the past. Technology has transformed the way consumers pay for products and point-of-sale (POS) systems rely on an Internet connection for functionality.
To secure your store’s POS system, implement the following cyber safeguards:- Install antivirus software so you can continuously scan for viruses or malicious files.
- Utilize encryption to disguise sensitive customer data as it’s shared across networks.
- Enable two-factor verification and use complex passwords that ask you to reconfirm your identity every time you log in. Change passwords every six months and make sure they contain uppercase letters, numbers and symbols.
- Update all software to prevent hackers from easily identifying network vulnerabilities.
- Incorporate a POS monitoring service that identifies cashier infractions as they happen by sending video clips and POS data directly to your smartphone or computer.
- Install Video Surveillance
Installing a video surveillance system is one of the most effective ways to enhance security in your store. Not only does a surveillance system provide retailers with the evidence needed to prove theft, but just the sight of cameras can work as a deterrent for shoplifters.
With a video surveillance system, retailers can monitor all areas of their store, in real-time, and receive instant alerts every time unusual activity is detected. In addition to installing surveillance cameras throughout your store, consider placing them:- Behind cash registers.
- Inside inventory or storage rooms.
- Near all entrances and exits.
- In parking lots.
- Contact a security professional before installing a video surveillance system to ensure proper placement and installation.
- Hire a Retail Security Firm (E.g., ORCA)
The level of security technology implementation from a retail crime prevention company is higher. ORCA delivers a different approach to tackling organized retail crime and conducting investigations. It focuses on a particular offender and uses our intelligence gathering resources to conduct a strong, purposeful investigation that recovers stock, prosecute offenders and help reduce the ongoing offences committed by these individuals and groups. ORCA utilizes Auror and our TrackTik system (internal information gathering network) to develop the investigation. This is where we add a critical component of our approach to dramatically increase our influence. - Crucial safety protocols to observe
- Closing times are particularly subject to crime. This is the time when cash registers are tallied and secured. Develop a strict procedure for inspecting, locking up, and leaving a retail location after business hours. This should be in place and followed by all employees.
- Seasonal employees can be a serious weakness for retailers. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid quick hiring processes and instead conduct detailed background checks and offer rigorous training. As a result, rapid worker turnover can be stopped.
- Finally, have an emergency security plan in place and make sure staff are prepared to face possible threatening events. For instance, clear protocols should be outlined if they confront a shoplifting situation or a robbery.
Our Take
Organized Retail Crime Australia (ORCA) is the retail criminal investigations division of MA Services Group. It focuses on providing the best service to our clients by targeting those offenders who commit serious theft offences, costing significant amounts of money in the loss. With offenders getting more advanced in their criminal activity, retailers must respond with security improvements. It is high time to modernize. This is where MASG steps in. Carrying out regular communication with the client to update on progress and to distribute resources in exactly the right place and time.
