Top Tips for a Safer Retail Environment

Use common sense to improve security

Good security needn't cost money. Follow our simple advice and you, and your staff, can benefit from a safer and more secure environment straightaway.

1. Always be vigilant when opening and closing your premises.
2. Always take advantage of town radio links, working with partnership against crime schemes.
3. Leave the till draw open, it's cheaper to replace the float than buy a new till.
4. Limit the amount of high value goods put on shelves
5. Often marking the packaging of high value goods, identifying them as your stock, can help the Police return stolen goods once recovered. Also useful if a shoplifter tries to claim having purchased the item from another store.
6. Don't place high value goods in shop windows. It is an irresistable temptation to smash and grab.
7. Always check details on credit cards. Be suspicious if the person looks nervous and is making a purchase close to the credit limit of the card.
8. Shoplifters often work in teams. Try not to be distracted by one person if they have entered with a group.
9. Mirrors are a great weapon when shoplifters look for a secluded spot to hide their loot. They allow you to view these areas from discreet distance.
10. If you are the victim of a robbery or theft do not resist. They are often in a desperate state and may turn violent if cornered.
11. The installation of an alarm and CCTV system by a NACOSS GOLD approved company can both provide a good deterrent and evidence of an offence taking place.
12. Replace video tape recorders with Digital Hard Disk Recorders that don't rely upon staff to change tapes on a daily basis. They can also provide remote access via the internet so that staff can be monitored when you are not on site.
13. Keep the back door locked. Thieves can enter throught the rear and remove items from stock rooms whilst staff are distracted on the sales floor.
14. Check ALL bank notes. You will be suprised how many are counterfeit.
15. Keep high value goods on top shelves, close to the counter where staff can see them.