Festive Season Security Tips For Retailers
It’s that time of the year again, and the ‘silly season’ is just around the corner.
Statistically,
there is an increase in crime-related incidents in and around the
shopping centre environment in the run-up to the festive season every
year.
In an effort
to make everyone aware that prevention is the cure, we have some basic
security advice for all tenants operating in the shopping centre
environment. Increased alertness and security awareness can prevent
incidents and keep your environment crime-free.
The
following advice is based on preventative strategies and insights
obtained from real-life crime incidents over the years in and around
shopping centres.
Banking and Handling of Cash:
It is essential to revise and, if necessary, amend security measures in
banking, safekeeping, and handling of cash. Theft and robbery of cash
remain the most common threats in the shopping centre environment. This
includes petty cash, takings from the previous day, and any other form
of cash obtained through trading. Be aware of employees handling or
banking cash, as ‘theft and robbery scams’ involving staff increase
during the run-up to the festive period. Avoid routines where banking or
handling of cash is done at the same times by the same people daily.
Always be aware of your surroundings when making cash withdrawals to
avoid being followed. Be extra vigilant when accepting cash and always
perform security checks on cash to avoid false bank notes used in
transactions. Avoid handling cash completely where possible. If keeping
cash is unavoidable, it should always be stored in a drop-safe when
in-store.
credit and banking card transactions increase during the festive period
due to the rise in transactions. Staff should receive additional
training on processing these transactions and escalating suspicious
transactions. Any transaction that does not seem 100% legitimate should
be declined, and an alternative secure method of payment should be
required.
Customers’ handbags and cell phones will be targeted during this
festive season in all stores, especially in restaurants and food courts.
Train your staff to approach and request customers not to leave
handbags and cell phones exposed or unattended in trolleys, hanging on
chairs, on the floor, or on the counter.
Jewellery shops are high-priority tenants in any shopping centre.
Ensure that all security systems are tested and maintained during this
time. Increase general security measures during the festive period.
Avoid leaving jewellery in window displays overnight.
Cell Phone Stores:
Stores trading with cell phones are regularly targeted during armed
robberies. Never have cell phones in-store that are not secured in a
safe, preferably fitted with a time-delay lock. Advise centre security
of any large consignments of cell phones delivered to your store.
Theft and Armed Robberies:
Regularly check display cases and locks in-store during trading hours
to proactively identify tampering. Do not allow groups of people or
individuals to cause a diversion in the store in a set-up to steal.
Staff should be vigilant not to be distracted by this tactic. Report and
follow up on any loiterers or suspicious behaviour in your store
immediately. They might be ‘scouting’ your premises for possible access
routes and security systems. Report all such incidents to centre
security immediately. Comply with the instructions of armed robbers if
the situation arises. Ensure all staff are trained on security and
emergency procedures – always have panic buttons handy.
Shoplifting:
Train your staff to be vigilant and observant. Make sure they can
recognise suspicious behaviour (picking up and putting down the same
item) and know the proper procedures for handling potential shoplifting
situations. Greet customers as they enter the store and ask if they need
assistance. This lets potential shoplifters know that employees are
attentive and observant. Train staff to look out for people wearing
oversized clothing and carrying large bags. Examples are bags that look
like they contain recently purchased duvets, as these have been used to
disguise foil-lined bags, which are designed to shield security tags
from being detected at store exits. Ensure that your store has clear
lines of sight, minimising blind spots where shoplifters can go
unnoticed. Arrange displays and shelves to maximise visibility for both
staff and security cameras. Use visible and clear signage indicating
that the store is monitored by surveillance cameras and that shoplifting
will be prosecuted.
Break-ins:
Ensure that alarms, CCTV, and panic buttons are in place and
operational at all times. Revisit store closing procedures. Avoid
leaving valuable items displayed or not securely locked away in a safe
overnight to limit losses in the event of a break-in.
Theft out of Motor Vehicles:
Never leave store delivery vehicles unattended while offloading or
transporting goods. Inform your staff not to leave any valuable items in
their motor vehicles while at work. Never leave any items exposed in a
vehicle – valuable items (gym bags, laptop bags etc) should be locked in
the boot – prior to arrival at the centre. Be aware on remote jamming –
physically check that car doors are locked before walking away from the
vehicle.
Most centres extend trading hours during the run-up to the festive
season. Ensure that all security measures are in place, and staff are to
be more vigilant, especially an hour before and after opening and
closing times when robberies are statistically most likely to take
place. Immediately liaise with centre security in the event of
suspicious behaviour or characters noticed around your store.
Excellerate Security wishes you and all your staff a safe festive season and a prosperous 2024.
For any
security assistance required during this period, please do not hesitate
to contact Excellerate management directly for a prompt response on 0860 11 00 11.
