Page 66 - Security Today, November/December 2018

Securing High-End Retail Stores
Luxury retailers are enjoying a business boom; inventories attract criminals
BIy Dana Pruiett
t’s no secret Americans like to shop online. A marketing survey showed 40 percent of U.S. internet users made purchases several times a month in 2017. The number of people shopping online and the amount they spend increases annually.
That may not sound like good news for traditional brick- and-mortar retailers, but lately many retailers are using technology and service innovations to post some of their best sales numbers in years—even opening new physical stores.
One industry segment, luxury retailers such as jewelry and fine art retailers, are enjoying boom times. These are goods most consum- ers want to see and hold before deciding to buy. However, the same attraction to valuable inventories also extends to criminals.
As they look to secure their merchandise and employees, high-end retailers are turning to layers of electronic security equipment, along with common-sense policies and procedures, proven at all levels of the retail industry.
Where to Begin
Luxury retailers, in particular, have challenges not found in other commercial industries. That’s why it’s important to work with a se- curity integrator that has retail experience before beginning any new or redesigned security project. Initial planning starts with a risk as- sessment. The shop’s location may be important. What types of pa- trons are attracted to nearby retailers? Are stairs or elevators a con- sideration? Do adjacent roads and highways provide quick escape routes? Can first responders rapidly reach the store?
It’s also critical to look beyond doors and windows as an en- trance. Walls, floors and ceilings may require fortification.
Any security plan has to prepare a store for organized gangs. Re- tail thieves—robbers, burglars and shoplifters—often work in tightly- knit gangs that plan well in advance before they strike.
Exterior Security
Protecting an exclusive retail shop starts outside. Parking lots and
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garages can be dangerous, especially for customers carrying valuable merchandise to their vehicles. A blue-light emergency tower with an embedded video intercom enables distressed customers to con- tact shop security for immediate assistance. The units’ cameras also provide security with views to help determine the best response. Bol- lards installed in front of doors prevent vehicles being used to smash into shops located at street level.
Video surveillance cameras should be mounted outside the public entrance. Placing one at eye level helps provide facial images which are important for forensic investigations. IP-based cameras enable the video feed to be transmitted and viewed over a network and shared with first responders. Recorders should have the capacity to store at least 30 days’ worth of video.
Some high-end shops, such as those selling loose diamonds, fine art or rare coins, may choose to limit the number of customers in the store at any time. These stores keep the main entry locked and allow customers entry by appointment. A video intercom is perfect in this situation. Customers push a button to alert shop employees and after seeing and having a two-way conversation with the visitor, staff can decide to remotely unlock the door. Many other high-end retailers also use video intercoms to check the identity of delivery personnel and vendors before allowing them entry.
Network-based video intercoms integrate with many open-stan- dard platforms, including video surveillance and access control, to provide greater overall system control and more efficient security operation centers. Some intercoms have built-in embedded proximity access card readers, making it easy for employees to use key cards to enter the store.
Solid-core doors provide greater security than those with glass. Metallic shutters that slide down in front of all entries provide added protection at night.
Interior Security
Video cameras inside the store should provide views of all entries,
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