Retail Theft – How Professional Security Guards Can Help
With the retail sector coming back to life after a challenging couple of years, retailers and managers are embracing the return of foot traffic and are offering an enhanced customer service experience to build relationships, promote sales and make up for lost profits. However, while retail may be rebounding, so is retail crime, so it’s never been more important to focus on improving security. One great way to do this is by hiring experienced retail security services to monitor, patrol and protect staff, stock, and customers. With over 60 years’ experience, SecurT provides tailored high-tech solutions to meet the ever-evolving security needs of our clients. Here we will look at different types of retail theft, why every retail business should hire experienced on-site security guards.
What Are the Main Types of Retail Theft?
Retail crime, such as shoplifting, robbery and vandalism, costs Australian businesses up to $9 billion each year! There are three major areas we will look at and each has a significant impact on the bottom line.
Shoplifting
The number one cause of retail loss, shoplifting comes in a variety of forms with both amateurs and professional thieves contributing to the problem. Prevention of shoplifting requires a multi-pronged strategy which includes:
- Good store layout and lighting
- Staff education and training
- Electronic article surveillance involving security tags, and security labels
- CCTV
- Professional retail security personnel on patrol
Internal Theft
While many retailers may think that shoplifting is their biggest threat, employee or internal theft is high up on the threat list too, especially in larger stores. Each incident of employee theft costs a retailer far more than general shoplifting, with statistics showing that employees who steal from retailers take on average four times the amount of a shoplifter. An internal theft prevention strategy should include:
- Screening of all prospective employees
- Staff training
- A positive working culture with fair remuneration
- Staff monitoring through CCTV
Organised Retail Crime
Organised retail crime, which sees a group or gang of thieves deliberately target a retailer to steal items in volume, is rife in Australia with crimes being committed every week. Worryingly, these groups often use intimidation and violence, and pose a significant threat to team and customer safety. Often targeting telecommunications stores, they overpower staff and push customers out of their way and steal electronics before running from the premises. Combatting this type of retail crime involves:
- Training staff to identify the suspicious behaviour
- Storewide security such as CCTV
- Electronic article surveillance
- Secure cabinets and lockable drawers
- The presence of highly trained and skilled security guards that can respond immediately with appropriate action
Protect Your Retail Business with Professional Security Guards Today
Retailers are looking to make up for the lost ground of the last two years, however, increased foot traffic results in an increased risk of shoplifting, and organised retail crime. It is essential for all retail businesses to adapt to the continuing changes in crime in the sector. One of the best ways you can protect your store is with professional security guards from SecurT. Our objective is to protect the safety and wellbeing of customers and employees in a retail establishment and to prevent financial damage caused by shoplifting, and robbery by individuals and organised gangs. To find out how we can help you, call us on 1800 979 661 or contact us online.