Newsroom

Here in Singapore, with COVID-19 mostly under control in the community, footfalls in our shopping malls and other retail centres is steadily increasing once more. With customers returning to your stores or shopping malls, it has once again become important to consider ways to more effectively secure your premises and merchandise to protect them from theft.

When you think of retail security, you might think of CCTV cameras and anti-theft sensors, which you frequently see in stores. While these play significant roles in deterring theft in your stores, did you know there are actions you can take and systems you can implement that will help you discourage potential shoplifters or reduce losses?

Read on to find out more.

1. Heightening the Perception of Surveillance

   

   The perception of surveillance is just as important as actual surveillance capabilities in deterring theft. To that end, it is advisable to have position physical surveillance devices or personnel in prominently visible areas in your premises. Therefore, installing a security system comprising both guards and surveillance equipment like CCTVs and anti-theft sensors will help protect the premises even when you are not in the store. Bright lighting is also advisable as it can make suspicious activity even more visible, both to your staff and to bystanders who might then report it.

   You should take into consideration instilling a strong perception of surveillance when scheduling your store’s manpower as well. Even if you manage a small store, you should avoid only having a lone worker manning your premises. In such stores, potential shoplifters might become emboldened as they will presume the lone worker is too preoccupied to watch them closely. Similarly, you might also want to consider installing a buzzer or chime at your front entrance, which reminds customers that their entrance has been observed.

2. Have Trained Staff on Standby

   

   Even if you take all the above steps, thefts can still occur. Perhaps your staff might even notice a theft as it is happening. In such cases, it is crucial to have on hand staff who are knowledgeable in ways to deescalate conflict, or failing that, in handling shoplifters with belligerent postures.

   As a manager, one critical step you can take is to devise a robbery plan and to ensure your employees are briefed on it. You could also consider sending your employees for conflict management and self-defence classes. Otherwise, you could hire manned guards to patrol your premises.

3. Fix Your Broken Windows

   

   The broken windows theory was defined by social scientists James Wilson and George Kelling in 1982 and argues that having a broken window signals a lack of concern over the neighbourhood, thus minimizing the perceived consequences of additional misconduct and crimes in that area. In this theory, “broken windows” is a metaphor for visible and untended signs of disorder within an environment; “broken windows” can indeed be broken windows, but can also be broken cash registers or haphazard product displays.

   By fixing your broken windows, you reinforce the impression that your store is well managed and attended to, thus discouraging potential shoplifters who might be looking for an easy target.

4. Schedule a Security Consultation

   

   There are many actions you can take to deter crime and tighten your retail security, some of which we have addressed above—but how do you know which actions are the most effective for your premises?

   An easy way to determine the best security solution for your premises is to schedule a security consultation with Certified Security Professionals (CSPs). TwinRock’s team of CSPs come from a wide range of backgrounds and are deeply familiar with the respective security considerations of each industry and implementing suitable solutions, typically derived with an integration of manned guarding and the latest security systems.

   Interested? Schedule a consult with us today!