6 Retail Security Measures Businesses Should Consider

Retail security is an essential consideration for brick-and-mortar businesses. Whether your store is a small boutique or a nationwide chain, the safety of your inventory, employees, and customers is a top priority. And with the busy holiday sales season quickly approaching, implementing robust retail security measures is more important now than ever. Here are 6 key retail security measures that businesses should consider to protect their stores:

1. Uniformed Security Guards

Uniformed security guards are typically stationed at store entrances. Their presence serves as a visual deterrent to potential thieves and provides peace of mind to legitimate customers and staff, all while greeting customers in a friendly manner upon entry into the store, and also assisting customers with questions or concerns. Uniformed security guards also assist with lineup formation and crowd management during busy sales periods and can monitor high-traffic areas or expensive product displays. 

2. Undercover Loss Prevention

Undercover loss prevention operatives wear discreet clothing to blend in with shoppers. They monitor the store floor at close range in order to observe suspicious behaviour or catch theft in the act. Because they are less noticeable than uniformed guards, they can more effectively catch individuals engaging in suspicious behaviour and respond swiftly. 

3. Tactical Security Guards

For retail businesses located in high-traffic or high-crime areas, a tactical security presence is a valuable asset. These guards wear tactical gear and receive specialized, advanced training in the use of force in order to swiftly apprehend individuals and stop thefts in action. The tactical gear worn by these security guards provides the strongest available visual deterrence, communicating clearly that a store is well-protected by professionals. 

4. CCTV Monitoring

While an on-the-ground security presence is effective for deterring, preventing, and stopping crimes, a CCTV presence is necessary to provide a full view of the store at all times. A security professional monitoring a store’s CCTV camera system allows for a birds-eye-view across all customer and staff activity throughout a store, and can provide information on suspicious activity to security guards on the floor through radio communication systems. 

5. Mobile Security Patrols

Mobile security patrols are an effective solution for monitoring a store overnight. These patrols are conducted using a marked security vehicle at randomly-scheduled intervals. While on patrol, guards monitor for any signs of suspicious activity, vandalism, or unauthorized entry. Mobile security guards additionally respond to any alarms triggered throughout the night, responding promptly and taking action as needed. Stores protected by Blackbird Security have the benefit of Blackbird’s 24/7 Control Centre team, which will deploy the nearest mobile security guard in the event of a triggered alarm. 

6. Security Guards With Advanced Training

At Blackbird Security, our retail security guards receive advanced training through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy. All of our guards receive training in key areas including report writing, peaceful de-escalation, customer service, fire safety training, and standard first aid. While the BST (Basic Security Training) required to receive a security license in Canada equips guards with the foundational knowledge to practice security, our in-house training allows our guards to provide above-and-beyond services for our clients. 

Partner With Canada’s Best Retail Security Provider

At Blackbird Security, retail security is one of our primary service offerings. We have years of experience providing excellent service to national clients including Best Buy, Canadian Tire, H&M, Sephora, MEC, and many more. We understand the unique challenges presented in the Canadian retail space and we consistently provide top-shelf service to each of our client partners. 

Get in touch with us through the form below to learn how we can secure your retail business this holiday season and beyond.