The success of your retail store requires a variety of crime prevention strategies. You can’t afford to lose inventory or customers because your store is a popular target for thieves. Protect your store, employees and inventory with these tips.
Analyze Your Problems
Every business faces different crime risks. Analyze your property, employee training and community crime statistics as you determine which crime prevention strategies you need.
Train Employees
Your employees are on the front line of crime prevention. They should know basic emergency procedures and understand the importance of greeting customers, maintaining eye contact, moving away from the cash register whenever possible and confronting loiterers.
Make Friends With the Local Police
Law enforcement can partner with you to prevent crime as they perform regular patrols near or in your business. They can also train your staff how to notice details of crimes and respond to crime emergencies and evaluate security weaknesses on your premises.
Clear the Clutter
An unobstructed view of your store’s entrance allows employees to see who comes in and goes out. Clear the clutter from your store aisles, too, to improve visibility at all times.
Use Natural Surveillance
Instead of covering your front windows, keep them clear. This strategy allows passers-by and police to see inside your store and note any suspicious activity.
Install Lighting
Indoor and outdoor lighting prevents crime. Remember to install vandal-proof bulbs and power covers, too.
Control Access
Criminals are lazy and want to get in and out of a business quickly. Consider the number of doors and their locations and material plus your interior design as you seek to prevent crime. Install fencing or bushes by alleys, too, as you limit a criminal’s escape route.
Limit Cash
By limiting the cash you have on hand, you can cut robberies by 80 percent. Empty the cash register often, use a drop box and post signs about limited cash to deter robberies.
Prohibit Loitering
This strategy reduces the potential for robberies in your store.
Install Cameras
Improve your ability to catch criminals when you install surveillance cameras. They can monitor the front door, cash register and other high traffic areas.
Implement Security Strategies ASAP
Research shows that incarcerated robbers doubt that victimized businesses install crime preventive measures. Prove them wrong when you implement security strategies immediately.
Reevaluate Regularly
Crime statistics change regularly, and your crime prevention strategies should too. At least once a year, evaluate your neighborhood and threats as you continuously protect your business.
Purchase Adequate Insurance
Insurance won’t prevent crime, but it will help you recover your losses after a crime. It also gives you peace of mind that you have done your part in protecting your inventory and staff.
