More than 87% of independently owned retail stores in Canada have experienced theft, according to figures from Federated Insurance. Authorities say this amounts to more than $4.6 billion in stolen goods a year.
Unfortunately, the risk of theft is something that every retail business faces, no matter what types of items they sell. However, there are steps that businesses can take to dramatically reduce that risk.
In this post, we look at the most effective ways to prevent theft at your business.
5 effective tips for stronger business security
1) Install security cameras
Security cameras provide several unique layers of protection to retail businesses. Their presence alone is a powerful deterrent that helps to significantly curb the risk of theft. When potential thieves (and your own personnel) know that they are being recorded, they are much less likely to commit a crime.
The other vital benefit of business security cameras is that they capture crimes when they occur. This provides valuable evidence for police and can be essential for insurance claims, too.
2) Update your alarm system
Installing a security system is critical for retail businesses. But if you’re using a system that’s several years old, then you’re probably overdue for an update.
Business alarm systems are especially important for preventing theft when the shop is closed. If someone attempts to enter the business while the system is armed, it triggers the alarm and notifies the monitoring center. The alarm itself is often enough to scare off criminals, while the monitoring ensures that authorities will be rapidly dispatched.
Today’s alarm systems provide more security than ever, while also offering advanced features like remote control from your smartphone, alarm partitions, built-in cameras & microphones, and more.
3) Secure entry points daily
Criminals don’t want to break through your shop windows. They’d much rather find an unsecured entry point, like a rear basement door or window that has been accidentally left unlocked.
Checking and securing your entry points must be part of your daily routine, every time you close the business. Additionally, during business hours, rear doors and other secondary entry points should remain locked on the outside.
4) Screen your job applicants
Statistics show that roughly 30% of retail theft happens internally by businesses’ own employees. And if someone has a record of crime, chances are much higher that they will steal again. This is why it’s so important to screen your job applicants with criminal background checks before you hire.
5) Rethink your key management
Small businesses often make the mistake of giving out too many keys to employees and never changing the locks. The reality for most businesses is that employees constantly come and go. And if you’re not careful about managing their keys, then you’re leaving your business at risk.
Limit the number of employees who have a key to the business, and be sure to collect those keys back when the employees resign. For greater security, consider updating your locks to a keyless entry / access control system. This will eliminate the risk of keys being copied and also remove the need to change the locks.
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Mike Wedmann
Mike Wedmann is an experienced Security Industry Professional with over 25 years experience as a Security Integrator and Project Manager. Mike has been with Protection Plus Inc. for over 20 years. Mike has lived in the greater Toronto area for over 25 years with his wife, 2 kids and a dog named Bart. He has an educational background in Communications and writing. Mike is a published author that writes about his experiences on various topics, including his experience as a parent. Primarily Mike writes about Security Industry products and Security Solutions that benefit consumers.
Deion was awesome!!!!! He did the job right and very knowledgeable. He's polite and wonderful. Got the job done in under an 2 hours.
Brian Prosserman
2024-04-13
Quite simply, I trust Protection Plus. They just delivered another quality job at a great price with their terrific service. Thank-you!
Two years later and I just had a repeat experience with Protection Plus; they are real professionals. I cannot put a price knowing they are always there for my security needs. Thank you!
Elisha Mandel
2024-04-12
Patrick did a great job, with a smile and patience! thank you!
Luigi Lopardo
2024-04-03
Deion was my installer of my home alarm system. He provided great service and was very knowledgeable. Exceptional service from Protection Plus
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2024-04-03
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2024-03-28
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Frank Aylward
2024-03-27
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2024-03-22
Excellent service from Deion of Home Protection Plus. He arrived early and fixed everything. Thanks again!
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2024-03-20
Deion and Brian were excellent - very clear instructions and exceptionally please