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display cases, cash register, the office and stockroom. Avoid blind spots where a crimi- nal may loiter waiting for the best time to strike. Cameras have been proven to act as a criminal deterrent. By installing a moni- tor at the entry customers immediately know they are under surveillance. Signage announcing the camera system helps. Also, have a concealed back-up recorder to main- tain visual evidence if robbers demand to take a recorder with them.
Criminals are sensitive to time. That is why it’s important to slow them with well-designed store fixtures. Display cas- es should be made of reinforced glass on all sides to reduce attempts at smash-and-grab thefts. Don’t concentrate the highest value items in one case or on a single rack but spread them out to reduce potential losses.
Keep cases locked except when removing one item at a time for inspection. Many dis- play cases are sold with a generic, model- specific key. In that case, install new locks as generic keys can end up in the hands of criminals. Discretely place panic buttons on the back side of display cases or the end of racks, near the cash register and in the store office. When pushed, they can immediately alert first responders. Consider keeping low- value decoy merchandise in the store to give to robbers.
Separate the show floor and office with a two-way mirror. Potential robbers may be slowed or abandon their plans if they wonder who’s watching from the other side. Mirrors in- stalled at ceiling level provide employees with a view of customers across the show floor.
Many stores locate their checkout stands or registers near the back of the store to be conveniently close to the office and stockroom, but a checkout placed near the exit enables employees to keep an eye on cus- tomers leaving the store. Never leave a cash register unattended and frequently move cash to an office safe. At closing time, put the most valuable inventory into a heavy safe, permanently attached to the office floor. A safe with a time lock provides added security.
The office should have a solid-core door that’s locked throughout the day—even if an employee is working inside. Another video intercom provides anyone in the of- fice an opportunity to see who is requesting entry. High-end retailers also require intelli- gible voice communication. An audio inter- com lets employees clearly communicate be- tween the office, show floor, cash register and stockroom.
Other Systems
Electrical article surveillance (EAS) sys- tems enable high-end retailers to tag goods using RFID, magnetic, acousto-magnetic or microwave technology. Unless removed or deactivated at the checkout, tags will set off
alarms as items pass through an exit pedes- tal. These pedestals can be embedded into door frames for aesthetic purposes. Many different tag sizes and designs are available to accommodate goods of various shapes, sizes and composition.
Count on an intrusion system to protect the store throughout the night. Install sen- sors on doors, windows and air vents. Mo- tion detectors can catch movement anywhere in the store. Heat sensors are helpful in de- tecting a person. Other sensors, such as fire, smoke, flood and freeze detectors, protect inventory and store equipment.
A professionally monitored system will provide a higher level of security. Using the camera system, monitoring station techni- cians can verify alarms and eliminate—or at least reduce—potentially costly false alarms. Although expensive, consider hiring a uniformed security guard. In larger stores, plain-clothes guards can be helpful.
A computerized point of sale sys- tem tracks inventory, clearly showing what merchandise was purchased by customers. Missing inventory, or shrink, is likely due to shoplifters or employees.
Employees
According to a 2017 National Retail Federa- tion survey, employees account for about 30 percent of retail theft. Some of the biggest re- ported crimes have been inside jobs. A vault manager at a New York jewelry stole $12 mil- lion in gold over six years—more than 500 pounds—one piece at a time by hiding it in the lining of her purse.
If it is legal in your city and state, con- duct background checks on all employment applicants. A credit check may indicate fi- nancial pressures increasing the likelihood of an employee committing or assisting in criminal activity. Run checks on employees annually to ensure nothing in their situations have changed. Also, if legal, require employ- ees to undergo drug screening.
Also remember employees can play an ef- fective role in your security plan. Have a pro- fessional trainer show them how to quickly spot criminal behavior in customers. Also train them how to react to prevent harm to customers and themselves during a robbery.
Attracting shoppers to their stores and converting those visits into sales is a prime goal of all luxury retailers, but they also have an obligation to keep their customers and employees safe while securing their high- end inventory. Varied lay-
ers of security and other related equipment can help them meet those re- sponsibilities.
Dana Pruiett is marketing manager at Aiphone Corp.
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