You’ve worked too long and hard to get to a profitable point with your store that you don’t want some criminals taking stock from you. The hours it takes to keep a store open and running at a profit, especially in this day and age, is a mammoth task. What can you do to stop these people from coming in and ruining it all? Luckily there are several answers to this question.
The first thing to remember is that prevention is better than direct immediate action, regardless of how you feel at times. If you can get a thief to doubt themselves and their chances of a clean get away with items then statistically they will not attempt to steal. The good news is you don’t have to turn your store into a fortress. Here are a few ideas for you.
- Security Seal. Available from https://acmeseals.co.uk, These are a visible deterrent to anyone thinking of making their way out with something they haven’t paid for. The seals make the item either activate an alarm or the product can’t be opened. It’s up to you.
- CCTV. Not all cameras have to be obtrusive but if they get spotted by a would-be thief, it can give them pause for thought and stop them in their tracks. If they do get away, the camera can be used as evidence in the case for a conviction. It is tough for the defending barrister to claim that the person you are accusing of stealing was nowhere near your store when you have filmed evidence, a time index to boot, pinning them to the scene.
- Staff training. Getting your staff to be aware of the indicators that possible criminals exhibit is also a way of helping to stop crime. Alert staff that care for the store are a real asset.
- A store detective. Having someone walk around the store on an undercover basis is also a great way to keep an eye on things.
- Link up with other stores. Having an informal network set up where you can tell other store owners, regardless of what they sell, if you’ve had an issue, and vice versa, means that you start to create a community spirit against criminals.