3 Common Retail Security Mistakes

As a store owner, do you ever wonder if you’re making some easily-avoidable security mistakes? Keeping your store safe doesn’t have to be overly complicated, but there are some common mistakes that cause retail businesses a lot of unnecessary vulnerability over time. We know better than anyone that owning and running a business is challenging, there’s always a lot to consider on any given day. It’s understandable that you may have let a few security details slip through the cracks up until this point, but it’s time to pause and get back on track. We’re touching on a few more security don’ts with these three common mistakes that you might be making, each of which can be very easily avoided:

Do not: allow for inconsistent training.

Training and education for staff is incredibly important. Not only does consistent training ensure that employees are prepared and aware of what to do during an emergency or security breach, but it also ensures that information is consistent and up to date. Employees can’t be expected to respond according to your security plans and protocols if they haven’t been fully trained and prepared! Take the time to carry out a full and comprehensive onboarding process for new staff, periodic updates and training sessions for current staff, and have staff practice what to do in case of theft or emergency. Practicing various scenarios can be very helpful when it comes to knowing how to actually implement the training and education that staff have received!

Do not: over-register or over-stock.

A very common security mistake that a lot of businesses sand storefronts make is keeping too much money in their register. Leaving too much money in the register can make a business hugely vulnerable, especially for a smaller business. If you have the misfortune of dealing with a robbery, this can be a much bigger hit to your company than it needs to be. Having too much cash on hand can leave you with additional vulnerability. The same can be said for inventory and stocked products that have a high value. In the exact same way, over-stocking can lead to increased vulnerability in the event of a robbery. This can be avoided very simply, by using a smart safe system. A smart safe system means that your register is only as full as it needs to be, and your money is kept safe and secure.

Do not: minimize visibility.

Too many stores are set up in a way that reduces visibility and actually aids a shoplifter in their efforts to steal. Having dim lighting and high-stacked displays can create areas or corners within your store that are completely closed off, reducing visibility and actually encouraging theft. This limited visibility is an issue that happens very frequently, but can be easily avoided. Open up your display areas, don’t display items too high up, and brighter up your in-store lighting. Doing these three things is quick and affordable, and will help to discourage shoplifting and can save your business from security breach or theft in the long run.

If you have questions about these security ‘do-nots’ or need assistance implementing your own in-store security practices, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of skilled and experienced professionals are always available to ensure that your business is protected.