Inventory and cash are prime targets and in order to reduce your risk you have to implement some retail security measures.

Owning and operating a business is tough enough in today’s economy. Aside from the competitiveness of the marketplace, one more way in which your business can suffer is through theft. Inventory and cash are the prime targets and in order to reduce your risk you have to look at security measures.

Here are a few tips to assist with retail loss prevention.

Loss Prevention Tips

1. Doors And Windows

When you secure your doors and windows you obviously deter theft. However, a secure door or window should contain more than just a good quality lock.

Windows can have bars installed, the glass can be replaced with secure glass that will not break or you can install roller shutters. Roller shutters can completely cover doors and windows providing improved security.

2. High Visibility Security

One excellent deterrent for thieves is to have security cameras and monitors out in the open. In other words, do not hide your security cameras or keep the video monitoring equipment stashed in the back store room.

The more obvious your digital and video security is, the less likely thieves will try something. It also will keep dishonest employees on their toes.

3. Train Your Staff

Your employees are your eyes and ears in and around your retail business where you can’t always be. As such, you may want to consider providing staff with training related to how they should be able to identify the signs of a shoplifter. With a properly trained staff you end up with additional people providing retail security services for your inventory and more.

4. Rethink Your Store Design

One great way to change the shoplifting opportunities in your business is to redesign how traffic flows inside your store and where inventory is located.

Changing the exit to where all customers must pass the checkout area may be a good start. Moving high-end stock away from the exits can also reduce the amount of grab ‘n’ run incidents at your business.

5. Make Contact With Customers

Customer service can go a long way to preventing some theft in your business. This means having all staff greet each person that enters your retail location. Also, have staff members roam the floor and ask customers if they require assistance.

This regular contact with customers means that staff can keep an eye on things and can deter would-be shoplifters.

6. Avoid Dummy Retail Security Systems

If you are serious about deterring the theft from your retail business, then you should consider investing in a high quality security alarm system.

Hanging cameras that do not record or just posting signs that say you have a system on site is not only dishonest, it won’t be much help if you do have a break-in or other incident and authorities request video tapes. Get a system that will actually do the job.

7. Reduce The Amount of Cash On Site

One way to reduce the temptation for theft of cash from your retail business is to not keep large sums of cash on-site. Letting cash build up during a busy sales day is just an invitation for a robbery.

8. Hire A Retail Security Guard

Sometimes the most obvious solution is the easiest. If your staff are swamped at holiday time or during a particularly popular sales event, you can still have peace of mind by hiring a security service.

Retail security services will provide a visual deterrent in the form of a uniformed presence. Plus, a trained security guard will know exactly what to do when needed.

9. Secure High Ticket Items

Expensive inventory items, such as electronics or designer products, may need another level of security. Locking these items behind non-breakable glass, storing them behind the counter, attaching them to shelving with locking devices or attaching shoplifter-proof tags all work well.

Your expensive inventory may require additional measures because they will attract even more attention from thieves.

10. Examine Your Insurance

Discuss your security concerns with your insurance broker. They will be able to advise you on what is or is not covered under your business policy. Plus, you may qualify for certain rate reductions just by installing an alarm system.

Your insurance policy should have all the coverage you require should any kind of theft occur at your retail outlet. So make sure that you carefully read and understand your policy so there are no surprises if you ever need to claim.

Retail Store Security Keeps Your Business Safe

The more measures you put in place, and less temptation you give thieves, the less likely you will experience losses. There are lots of different things you can do to improve retail security. As such, it can be hard to know where to start… but the points mentioned above are a good starting point.

By adding security measures – and keeping them in plain sight – you will not only reduce the risk of loss, your customers will feel safe supporting your business knowing you are serious about security.

If you need help with your retail store security, then make sure that you get in touch with us to discuss your options.

For shopping centre security you require a security service provider with proper training and experience in retail business security.

When you consider the volume of foot traffic that occurs in the average Australian shopping centre, you can understand the need for proper security measures. A shopping centre needs to be a safe and pleasant environment for people to visit.

When a security company is contracted to conduct this type of work, they do much more than provide a just visual presence or deterrent for would-be criminals. Here we look at some of the issues and challenges faces by centres, and how hiring a security company can help.

What Services Can A Security Company Provide To A Shopping Centre?

In addition to locating missing children and providing an extra pair of eyes for loss prevention in retail stores, security guards bring a lot more skills to such a setting. For instance, they can assist with executing an evacuation in times of emergency such as a fire or other threat.

However, there are many other valuable services that security companies can provide for shopping centres:

Risk Assessment and Shop Security Plan Reviews

A security risk assessment may reveal weaknesses in many existing systems. It may also point to minor enhancements and upgrades that may be necessary to eliminate these risks. A security service company can not only assist with the assessment, they can become part of the solution.

Industry-Specific Training

Security guards are trained to identify and respond to issues quickly and efficiently. This training can vary depending on the placement but can include such things as fire safety, emergency response, defence tactics, and retail crime awareness. If security is left to untrained staff or those without industry-specific training, the flow-on effects can have severe consequences.

Improvements To Staff Training and Communication

For retail outlets with a high number of staff members, communication of vital information is important… as is proper training of all staff to deal with various situations ranging from simple incident management to emergencies. A qualified security company can assist with these programs for your staff.

Provide Regular Patrols of All Areas

 A security service provider will scour all areas in and around shopping centres to ensure that the risk of theft is reduced and that safety measures are in place for staff and customers. This would include examining and reviewing procedures related to deliveries and pickups.

Security guards can be used to verify ID of anyone with access to the areas of the building that are not normally available to the public. They can also inspect items being picked up or dropped off. Shopping centre security patrols can extend to outdoor or underground parking lots as well.

The Risks Include More Than Just Theft

Although amain concern of most retail business owners is related to shoplifting, security guards on site can identify other risks such as anti-social behaviour and the threat of terrorism. With properly trained personnel on site, identification of issues and communication and evacuation during security incidents can be improved.

Improve Your Shopping Centre Security Today…

A security company provides trained guards that are prepared to face almost any kind of threat to a shopping centre. With qualified people on site that are dedicated and focused on looking out for potential issues and threats, you are better prepared for any circumstance that may arise.

For information on security services we provide to retail business, contact us at Urban Protection Group today.

Security risk management is vital for businesses of all sizes. You may not realise that your business or event is at risk without conducting an assessment.

Have you considered having a security risk management assessment completed for your business, or for an event that you manage? It is a valuable exercise to go through that can highlight many previously unforeseen issues. The risks may not be obvious to you, which is why it is a good idea to hire the services of a specialist security company.

If your company hosts or organises any size event or outdoor festival, a security risk assessment can prove to be a valuable tool. They are also useful in identifying potential security risks in the workplace. But what exactly is one and what can you learn from the assessment process?

What Is Risk Assessment?

The assessment examines the event or workplace. It identifies potential security risks that may exist or develop in these venues. It also provides planning tools for organisers or management to use in order to mitigate the risks before they have an opportunity to become issues of concern.

What Are The Kinds of Risks That Can Develop?

In the instance of a large scale event, the security risk assessment can identify such factors as something that can cause harm to someone, or cause damage to the event or equipment/infrastructure. Risks to the future of the event may also be identified.

For workplace settings, the assessment can identify the potential for a security breach. This can come from within the company or from outside. Any weakness in the security of data, information, cash or inventory can be identified so that proper measures can be taken to eliminate the weakness.

How To Know You Need Security Risk Assessment and Management

Do you have a security system in place? If not, you or your business may be or become vulnerable to various forms of abuse. Even with a security system in place, there may be weaknesses in the system. An assessment will locate these and help you to correct the problems.

How We Conduct The Security Risk Management Assessment

The first step in identifying risks is through our security auditing process. A certified security consultant will take a close look at your existing systems and procedures. Potential threats or risks will then be identified with an action plan formulated to address these issues.

With the results of your security risk assessment, you will receive recommendations on how to improve your existing system. It may be something as simple as relocating security cameras or more involved such as expanding your security system to include cameras or remote control.

Typically the average business security risk assessment reveals weaknesses that can be remedied with a security system upgrade. This can involve various elements ranging from locking down areas, adding more alarms and cameras or the addition of patrols by security guards.

For event management, our security risk management advisory team would examine the details related to your event and assess any potential risk. Risks can result from the actual venue, people and vehicles moving in and around the venue and the hazards that can develop from this activity.

Workplace health and safety management presents a whole different set of potential risks. We would examine existing infrastructure and identify places where improvement would ensure better safety of those individuals affected. It may also raise workplace productivity levels.

Emergency management planning also addresses security risks that may develop in times of dire circumstances. With the proper plans in place, you will be able to protect your staff and business from various issues that may impact them during a disaster or emergency situation.

Contact Us For Assistance With Risk Assessment

At Urban Protection Group, we have the qualified staff to conduct a security risk assessment of your business or event. We can look at all the potential risks and develop a plan that will deal with anything that may develop. For more information, contact us today.

If you are in need of some security company services, be sure to choose a security company that can protect your business or property very well.

You may think security guard hiring is a trivial matter. However, not all security guard companies provide the same level of service which means you must do some homework in advance.

Finding a security company to protect your business or property, that is the best fit for your requirements, is an important decision. Before you commit to hiring a security company, here are some questions you may want to ask.

Are They Customer Service Oriented?

Although the company you hire should have security as their top priority, customer service should also be at the top of that list. Any business that fails to embrace the importance of customer service could be a challenge to deal with.

Are They Locally-Owned or Part of a Franchise Chain?

Although large chain operations may have some advantages, a local contractor will more than likely be your best bet. The reason for this is that a local business can serve you better, providing more attention and responsiveness. Large chains can tend to be far less personal in service, where you can become just another number.

Is The Company Focused On Providing Security?

This may sound unusual, but if the company you hire is called Fred’s Plumbing, Heating & Security Service, chances are that security is not their main focus. You want to avoid companies where security is an added feature rather than the sole purpose of their business.

Are There Uniform Options Available?

If your intention is to hire a security service provider for a special occasion, you may want the guards to appear at your function in something other than a police-style uniform. The company you hire should have other clothing options available including plain clothes to fit the occasion.

What Kind of Reputation Does The Company Have?

The internet provides you with easy access to online reviews and feedback of most businesses. Look at online ratings and reviews and scour social media networks such as Google My Business, Yelp, LinkedIn, and Facebook. You should be able to get an idea of how professional the company is and whether they provide a good service. You can also ask for client references so you can check on their level of satisfaction.

Can The Company Meet Your Requirements?

The security company you intend to hire should be able to provide the right level of service for your requirements and be flexible enough to work with your schedule. They should be able to accommodate holidays as well as coverage for short-term periods. Since every business is different, you need a security company that is flexible enough to accommodate all your needs.

Are They Licensed And Insured?

Although this may seem obvious, it is still a good idea to request and check this information. When you hire a security guard the company should have all the necessary paperwork, valid licenses, and insurance policies to verify they are fully covered. This includes accident and liability coverage.

What Kind of Training Do The Guards Have?

The security company you intend to hire should have guards that are properly trained in all security-related matters. It should include the basics but you also want to ensure that the security guards are capable of responding properly to any situation that may arise during the course of their work, including emergency situations.

Are They Cooperative and Helpful?

One way to assess the business and the security company services they provide is the manner in which they respond to your requests for information before hiring them. Are they helpful and easy to communicate with? Are they easy to get in touch with? If they are hesitant or seem annoyed with your questioning, you know they are not the company to hire.

Is The Company Well-Managed?

You would ideally want to hire the services of a security company that has strong management. Ask for certifications and qualifications in business management for information. Previous, related experience in the security or law enforcement fields would also be beneficial.

What Do The Contracts Cover?

Long before you make your final decision on hiring a security service provider you will want to see what details are contained in a contract for service. You will want to verify that the contract spells out the commitment requirements of both sides and does so clearly and concisely. Understand exactly what is and is not included.

What Is The Cost of Service?

The security guards for hire should have competitive pricing with other security firms offering the same kinds of service. You will also want to know what the billing cycle is if your company has to cover any incidentals and what extra add-ons can be considered at a later date.

Hiring A Security Company Is Serious Business

Taking the time to find the best security company to manage to look after your business is important. You need to have a reputable and reliable security company working for you.

If you are in need of professional security service, contact us at Urban Protection Group today for more information about the service we can provide you and your business.

Unattended and buildings that are not properly secured are attractive to thieves, especially during the holidays.

Just because you make take some time out over the festive season does not mean that criminals do. In fact, it can be quite the opposite.

There can be an increase in security risk for many properties during the holidays, especially if that means leaving your primary residence or business empty this Christmas. Unattended and buildings that are not properly secured are attractive to thieves who think nothing of the season and will take the opportunity to take advantage of vacant premises.

In fact, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducted a survey in 2015/16 which reported a total of 411,600 households experienced at least one break-in or attempted break-in to their home, garage or shed. This highlights that household security is a real issue, and since more homes and businesses are unattended during the holidays, it makes it even more important to have security options in place to protect your property and belongings during this time of year.

Tips To Help Secure Your Home Or Business This Holiday Season

1. Install A Security System

A security system these days can be installed wirelessly and can include not just motion detecting devices to trigger an alarm, but can include cameras. These systems are great for your home or business as you can monitor them via the internet from anywhere you happen to be.

2. Use Good Quality Locks

One way to prevent unauthorised access to a home or business is by having all entry points secured with good quality locks. Doors, windows, gates, and any other entrances or exits should have a secure lock in place at all times.

3. Neighbourhood Watch

If you live in a residential area, ask a neighbour or friend to stop by your home frequently to do a quick walkabout. For business owners, you cannot go wrong by hiring a security service like Urban Protection Group to provide a guard to either stay on site or make regular patrols at your business.

4. Eliminate Obvious Signs

Mail that collects over time and any other packages sitting outside the front door of your home or business are giveaways that no one is there. The same goes for general tidying up around the yard, removing garbage or any other potential item that could tip off a thief.

5. Put Some Lights On A Timer

One of the easiest ways to make your home or business appear to be occupied when it is empty is by the use of timers. You can set them to turn lights on or off, music, televisions and just about anything that will give your space a ‘lived in’ look and feel while you are gone.

6. Reduce Your Social Media Activity

Announcing your holiday plans may seem like a good idea on social media, however, it does open you up to potential security threats. Saying when you are gone and how long you will be away is an open invitation so try to save the holiday photo posts for after you get back home.

7. Use Your Security System

It can sometimes be bothersome to always activate your security system, even if you are going to be away for a short period of time. However, security systems work best in homes and businesses when they are actually used. Insurance claims may be void as well with the alarm off.

8. Notify Security Companies Of Your Holidays

If you have a security system that is being monitored by a security company, be sure to inform them of your holiday period. This is especially true if you have a business with unusual hours of operation. Sharing your holiday hours can make the difference between a false and a real alarm.

9. Seasonal Employee Security

If you have seasonal employees that work at either your home or business, you may wish to provide them with an individual alarm code that they can use. That same code should be one you can change once their employment period ends to prevent possible abuse over the holidays.

10. Watch Where You Hang Decorations

It is one of the many ways to show your festive side – by decorating your home and business. However, if your security system in either location includes camera or motion detecting devices, be sure to not block any of these with your holiday decorations.

For More Information

Are you going away for the holidays and have some security concerns? Contact us at Urban Protection Group. We can provide you with a home or business security solution to match your needs and put your mind at ease so you can have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A security guard is much more than another set of eyes and ears watching, patrolling and recording activities. Security guards also need to possess customer service skills due quite often to the amount of interaction they have with customers and staff, security guarding is not only patrolling and remaining vigilant but also is the extension of the client and their company.

What Is A Security Guard?

A major function of a security guard is to work as a deterrent. Their presence of watching over buildings, property, infrastructure, events and people is effective in deterring and preventing criminal activity.

A security guard also provides surveillance on people and property through regular patrols and physical inspections. By doing this, instances of unruly behaviour, theft, vandalism, fire, terrorism and other illegal activities through regular monitoring are reduced.

What Do Security Guards Do?

Security guards have a wide range of responsibilities and can cover a wide range of industries:

• Perform regular security checks of specific locations in the area
• Provide restricted access to staff, visitors, clients and outside contractors
• Apprehend criminals and hold them for authorities Police
• Comprehensive note taking and report writing
• Monitor closed-circuit TV in-house camera and alarm systems
• Enforce laws and regulations on property being protected

Static guards perform various other duties depending on the specific job site. Here are a few examples:

1. Retail Stores

A loss prevention officer’s job is to protect stock, staff, and prevent theft through proactive guarding. This type of security guarding requires an alert security guard who can observe people’s behaviour and deter, and if need to, apprehend an offender.

2. Office Buildings/Residential Concierge

Corporate and concierge security guards maintain order and provide protection to property, staff and customers in these settings. Quite often, these security guards are the first point of contact for customers, staff, residents and guests entering the premises. Having a guard who presents well, communicates effectively and can provide tasks pertaining to the particular site is extremely important.

3. Museums/Art Galleries

Static guards protect exhibits and artwork through monitoring of people and the inspection of mail and freight coming into or exiting the facility. The value of the items in a museum and art gallery can be priceless. In conjunction with static security guards, CCTV surveillance systems constantly monitor foot traffic during opening hours and also after hours.

4. Warehouses/Government Buildings/Military Bases

Security guards check and verify licenses and permits of people and vehicles that come and go daily from a private and government sites. The role they have in protecting products and information contained on these sites is paramount depending on the nature of assets protected. These can range from general merchandise, to specialised equipment and high-value stock that requires surveillance and special access to restricted areas.

5. Educational Facilities/Parks/Stadiums

Security guards in larger crowd settings play a different role, quite often these guards will have extra certication eg traffic controller to assist with direct carpark traffic, ushering of guests and visitors on to the premises as well as maintain crowd control duties by monitoring crowd behaviour.

6. Bars/Nightclubs/Hotels

Crowd control officers are the initial greeting that a patron will see when entering a premises. The role can be varied such as checking ID, scanning ID, ensuring patrons waiting in line in accordance with RSA before getting to the entrance. Gone are the days of the bouncer, these days, venues want their customers to enjoy the experience from the moment the patron walks in the door, gets their first drink or sits down and has a meal and security play an important role in that experience.

7. Airports/Train Stations/Transportation Depots

Security guards protect commuters and travellers, transportation infrastructure and freight at transport hubs and surrounding areas. Quite often these locations will have thousands of people passing through the terminals in a day. In this environment, travel is so much more accessible to travellers whether it be for leisure or business, protecting these types of infrastructure security guards cover many different aspects such as patrolling, back checks and body scanning to name a few.

What Does It Take To Be A Security Guard?

The most common traits that make a good candidate for a security guard job is someone who is honest, observant and has common sense. You must also be able to lead others as well as follow directives issued to you.

Good communication skills will ensure that everything is clearly understood both when you are providing and receiving instruction. Being able to think on your feet and make quick and accurate decisions under pressure will also be a plus.

Finally, as this job can involve a lot of walking, sitting and driving you must be in good physical shape. If you have these traits, you have a lot of what it takes to be a good security guard.

What You Need To Be A Security Guard

A security guard must undergo a comprehensive training course to meet the requirements of each state. In NSW, a security guard must complete a 2 week training course and additional day to complete their first aid certificate. If a security guard wishes to work in a specific field, they will need to undergo further training in their preferred field of security work. Class 1 licenses are classified into sub-classes. The sub-classes are:

• Class 1A Unarmed Guard authorises the licensee to patrol, protect or guard any property while unarmed (and whether while static or mobile)
• Class 1B Bodyguard authorises the licensee to act as a bodyguard or to act in a similar capacity
• Class 1C Crowd Controller authorises the licensee to act as a crowd controller or to act in a similar capacity
• Class 1D Guard Dog Handler authorises the licensee to patrol, protect or guard any property with a dog
• Class 1E Monitoring Centre Operator authorises the licensee to patrol, protect or guard any property while carrying on monitoring centre operations
• Class 1F Armed Guard authorises the licensee to patrol, protect or guard approved classes of property while armed (but only under the authority of a licence or permit to use or possess firearms under the Firearms Act 1996).

Important: A Class 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E or 1F licence does not authorise the licensee to carry on a security activity with a dog.

All holders of operator licences must be employed by a Master licensee.

For all types of security work, whether it be as a static security guard, crowd controller, or close personal protection relative past experience would assist you greatly, however having the right attitude, presentation and work ethic is so important.

For more information on becoming a security guard, please click here.

To find out more about this challenging and equally rewarding career choice, contact Urban Protection for information today.