Building and Employee Security in a Shop

Last Updated: August 22, 2009

Security

No matter what type of shop you run, security is likely to be an important issue. There are many types of security risk, including shoplifters, vandals, and in some cases even thieving employees.

There are however, many different actions you can take to help reduce the risks in your shop; the following are details of some of the most common.

Building Security

“One of the best ways to prevent theft is to ensure your shop has good lighting…”

Lighting – One of the best ways to prevent theft is to ensure your shop has good lighting, and has no dark or unlit areas. This will make it much harder for people to get away with stealing, and will deter them from doing so in the first place.

Burglar Alarm – It may seem like an obvious idea, but many businesses still do not have a burglar alarm in their store. A visible alarm helps deter would be thieves and vandals, and helps to minimise loss if your shop is still broken into. A simple alarm is likely to be inexpensive compared to the cost of lost goods caused by a break in.

Security Cameras – The installation of security cameras can strongly put off vandals and thieves, as they will not want to be caught on camera committing a crime. Black and white security cameras can be bought quite cheaply, and you can even buy dummy cameras that do not record, but act as a visual deterrent.

Shutters – When your shop is closed, shutters can help to keep it safe. Metal shutters behind the windows and doors can be pulled down at night and locked to the ground, preventing access to the inside of the shop. Good quality shutters can be quite expensive, but they are highly effective in prevent ing break-ins when the shop is closed.

Security Mirrors – By placing security mirrors into awkward places in your shop, you can help keep everywhere in view, and prevent would be thieves from going unseen; for relatively little cost.

Security Tags – One way to deter thieves is to place security tags on every item, setting off an alarm if they leave with it. This provides an effective deterrent against stealing, but you will need to pay for the tags and the equipment to detect the tags at the exit, which can be expensive.

Employee Security

Although most employees are honest, there are a small minority that may try to steal from your shop. There are measures you can take to protect your shop, without making employees feel like they are not trusted.

The use of good lighting and security cameras will help deter would be employee thieves, as will the use of security mirrors, you can also carry out random searches as employees leave, though you should be careful of making employees feel under suspicion.

You can help keep money secure through the use of a safe, or by ensuring that only you or a trusted manager can go into the safe-room or stock room alone.

“You should always check deliveries against their order sheets to ensure nothing has been removed…”

When receiving deliveries, you should always carefully check the order sheet against the products that arrive to ensure nothing has been removed. If you fail to spot a missing item on delivery, it will be very difficult to get it back later.