If you own retail space in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you would know the importance of securing your retail store to keep your customers, employees and expensive goods safe. Many factors affect the safety of a retail store, including potential theft, weather conditions, natural disasters, not adhering to safety guidelines and more. All of these instances could compromise the health and safety of your people.
Industry data shows that security issues and Organized Retail Crime (ORC) aren’t slowing down. The NRF 2018 report notes that retailers lost $777,877 per $1 billion in sales to ORC. If you don’t have the right retail security measures in place, now is the time to take prompt action and ensure that your store is safe and secure at all times.
Here are some things to keep in mind to safeguard your retail store in Miami.
Assessment of Physical & Digital threats
Building an effective security plan starts with assessing what is currently in place. To adequately safeguard your store, you need to be aware of the threats you’re protecting yourself against. These threats can be physical or digital.
Physical threats
Physical threats involve the physical breaching of security systems, including theft, shoplifting, burglaries etc. To assess these threats, you need to physically examine all areas of your store for vulnerability and possible security breaches. You could also hire a professional to do the risk assessment for you. If you sell expensive goods such as jewellery or electronics, adopt additional security measures to safeguard these items against theft.
Digital threats
Digital threats have become increasingly commonplace in the last few years. Almost every business that uses digital data is susceptible to cybercrimes, including website hacking, card skimming and customer data breaches. To protect yourself against these threats, make sure that your software systems are up-to-date with the latest security standards. Ensure PCI compliance for your payment processing system and keep only the data that you really need on storage devices.
Employee training and background check
Implementing security measures in a retail store comes down to your employees, so it’s crucial that you bring in people who will enforce your retail security and not compromise it. Training your employees in critical safety measures and responses increases the odds of success. If employees have relevant training and understanding of the security requirements, the organization will experience a higher level of compliance.
As a retailer, you should also be very careful about who you hire. It is a good practice to make background checks a part of your store’s security measures.
Install Necessary Security Equipment
Even the best security training and dedicated staff can be helpless without the right security tools and equipment. As a retail store owner, you must invest in loss prevention solutions such as cameras and alarms in your store.
- Install high-security, commercial-grade deadbolts to exterior doors. These will guard you against attack, even by the most determined intruder.
- Security alarms are pivotal in alerting the store manager and employees in the event of a security breach. They also scare away intruders and help alert law enforcement professionals.
- Security cameras provide 24-hour surveillance and help in investigation and deterrence. As a conventional practice, security cameras should be placed at store entrances and exits, customer transaction points, cash registers and even parking lot more affordable. Retail owners are also known to install fake cameras to deter criminals.
Security Messaging
Security messaging tactics help to scare potential criminals and let them know they are being watched. By posting warning signs at the point of sale, you can deter criminals before they act. Security signage can say things like, ‘This property is under 24-hour video surveillance’ or ‘No cash left overnight in register’. Having security personnel present at your store entrance can also send a message that your store is under tight security.
Hiring Professional Security Agencies
If you don’t have an in-house security training capacity or efficient employees who can implement the security measures, consider contracting professional experts to train and guide your team. Private security professionals in Miami can help you safeguard your retail store in the best possible way and ensure a safe working environment for your employees.
Conclusion
Even the slightest lapse in security can put a sizeable dent on your business and your reputation as a retail store owner. It is important to maintain safety for your store(s) at all times. Combining the above security measures can help ensure safety for your business and let you be assured and at peace that your workplace is safe and secure.
