Today, brick-and-mortar retail businesses still play a vital role in society. These businesses must provide an open environment that is inviting to the public and allows easy access to the items customers wish to purchase. Unfortunately, this open environment can leave a business vulnerable to theft.
Why a Physical Security System is Necessary
Just as the business industry changes, so does crime. Although businesses have always had a theft issue, organized retail crime is on the rise. Implementing a physical security system is vital to protecting the business, the products within, and the employees. Genetec offers a variety of products and services to help a business reduce losses and protect their retail location.
Every year in the U.S., businesses lose nearly $50 billion due to theft. With organized retail crime, these losses are only increasing. Organized retail crime is the association of two or more people working together to steal substantial quantities of retail merchandise through theft or fraud.
Having a physical security system can help identify various risks and suspicious activities that allow actions to be taken before the loss occurs. Retail business owners need to understand the risks to their business, research potential problems, and invest in the right physical security system to protect their business from these types of issues.
Video Surveillance
Every retail business should have some form of video surveillance in place. Entrances and exits should be monitored at all times. Other areas of the store where theft is likely or there are vulnerabilities should also be monitored. There are a variety of cameras that can be easily installed in various locations that provide a direct feed to a secure location or even to handheld devices.
Video surveillance is a perfect way to monitor the entire store in real-time. However, it is also important that recording occurs as well. Recording the daily activities and storing those recordings for future use could be very beneficial in identifying and prosecuting criminal activity.
By having the feed directed to a singular location, security personnel can keep track of the movements within and around the store location. Handheld devices can also be used by personnel on the floor to locate suspicious activity as it is happening. This video feeds may be very beneficial in stopping theft before it happens.
Trained Personnel
Another important part of a physical security system is the right security team. There should be enough security available to handle any concerning activity without tying up every member of the team. Organized retail crime utilizes several individuals for their thefts. Often, there are one or more individuals that serve as a distraction while the others steal products from the store.
Having a team that is properly trained to identify such behavior can help prevent these crimes from occurring. When the team is able to properly communicate with each other and can access video feeds while on the floor, they are better able to prevent more crime.
Security Devices
Another tool that can benefit retail businesses is the security device or tag. These items can be secured to products within the store. Some devices require special tools for removal when the item is purchased. Some are deactivated when scanned at checkout. These devices can be hidden on the product or even in full display when difficult to remove.
If a device is not properly removed or deactivated before leaving the store, it sets off a security alarm to notify the security team. These devices have been very beneficial in identifying theft and preventing losses for the store.
There are even tags and badge holders that utilize RFID technology. This technology allows stores to track shoplifted merchandise anywhere. It can even be useful in tracking ORC groups that sell stolen items across the internet. These tags can even be attached to online orders to help identify fraud and other types of criminal activity.
Access Control
Another area where theft can occur is within the storage areas of the business. If non-employees can access the storerooms and loading areas, they can steal items before they are even logged into the store’s system. Access control systems can prevent this.
There are systems available that require ID badges or other forms of identification to enter specific areas of a business. Even pin-code-controlled doors can prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to these areas.
Video Management
Although video surveillance can help reduce theft in a retail setting, it is not infallible. It can be difficult for a security employee to look through several screens of grainy videos to identify suspicious activity. The right video management can help create a better system for identifying loss.
Video management can provide clearing imaging that is streamed directly to monitors or handheld devices. With efficient streaming, businesses can use less online storage capacity and reduce the load on the store’s network. This light load can also minimize any potential lag in the feed.
Video management, such as Omnicast, offers businesses an easier way to keep their surveillance under control. It can offer a wide range of access and analytics to minimize losses throughout the company. Businesses can integrate this system with their communication programs and other security features in their store.
Security Center
With all the different aspects of a security system, it can be difficult for businesses to keep track of each part of the security system. Fortunately, there are programs available that can keep the entire security system in one center.
A security center can allow the monitoring of all product tags, video feeds, and even restricted areas in one location. This center can help maintain a complete view of the entirety of the store’s security and help identify problems and vulnerabilities faster.
As technology changes, it is important for businesses to stay on top of those changes. Not only does it ensure a business can stay competitive but technology can protect them from the evolving criminal aspects as well. The right security system is the best method for reducing costly losses and maintaining success in the business.
