Property crimes, such as car theft and burglary, are more common than violent crimes. This is especially true in America’s biggest metropolitan areas. These cities include Denver, Memphis, Seattle, and San Francisco. They have the highest incidents of property crime in the country.
As a business owner, you want to do everything you can to keep your store safe and secure. But with so many things to worry about, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are several tips that will help you get started.
Install a security system.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your brick-and-mortar store is to install a security system. A security system can deter criminals from targeting your store and provide peace of mind knowing that your property is protected. There are a variety of security systems available, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
A well-designed security system should include the following components:
- An alarm system to alert you and the authorities in the event of a break-in
- Security cameras to monitor activity both inside and outside of your store
- Motion sensors to detect intruders
- A panic button to immediately call for help
All these components allow businesses to secure their assets and keep their staff safe.
Make sure your doors and windows are secure.
Another critical step in keeping your store safe is ensuring that all your doors and windows are secure. Burglars often target businesses by breaking through glass doors or windows, so it’s essential to take measures to fortify these entry points.
Businesses can use a reliable knob cylinder lock to secure the store. These high-precision locks are easy to install and rekey in case someone gets a copy of the key. If your store has a lot of glass, you may also consider using shatter-resistant film to make it more difficult for burglars to break in.
Educate the employees about crime prevention.
Educating employees about crime prevention is critical to keeping a brick-and-mortar store safe and secure. By teaching employees about common crimes that occur in stores and how to spot potential criminal behavior, businesses can help reduce the risk of theft and other criminal activity.
Some basic tips for educating employees about crime prevention include:
- Provide them with information about common types of store crimes, such as shoplifting and theft of merchandise.
- Teach them how to identify suspicious behavior, such as someone loitering near the store or trying to return stolen merchandise.
- Encourage them to report any suspicious behavior to management or security.
- Reinforce the importance of following store security procedures, such as locking up at night and keeping an eye on the entrances and exits.
Restrict access to the storeroom and other restricted areas.
Restricting access to the storeroom can have several benefits for a brick-and-mortar store. Limiting access to this area can keep inventory secure and prevent theft. You can also protect your employees by restricting access to areas where they might be vulnerable, such as the stockroom. Finally, by limiting access to the storeroom, you can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
There are several ways to restrict access to the storeroom. One option is to install a keypad entry system. This system requires employees to enter a code to gain access to the storeroom. Another option is to use a card reader system. With this system, employees need to swipe their ID cards to gain access to the storeroom.
If you install a keypad entry or a card reader system, train your employees on how to use it. You should also plan what to do if employees forget their code or card.
Another way to restrict access to the storeroom is to use a security guard. This option can be costly, but it will ensure that only authorized personnel can access the storeroom.
No matter what method you choose to restrict access to the storeroom, communicate your policy to your employees. They should know where the storeroom is located and how to access it. They should also know what items are allowed in the storeroom and what items are not.
Make sure your store is well-lit, both inside and out.
Brick-and-mortar stores rely on their customers feeling safe and secure when shopping. One way to ensure this is by having ample lighting inside and outside the store. This will help deter criminals from targeting your store and make it easier for customers to see what they’re doing.
These steps will help ensure that your brick-and-mortar store is safe and secure. These measures can help create a safe and secure environment for your employees and customers.
