Get an assessment

A good plan starts with a security/risk assessment. You can take the low-cost route and do this yourself or hire a professional.

I recommend: If you have the money, consider hiring an independent security consultant. Many commercial security systems providers also offer assessments. ADT’s commercial division happens to be offering a free retail security info pack right now, take advantage of the free info. Sometimes even your local police department may be willing to share their thoughts on your business’ security. I really like this simple checklist (in a PDF format) as a tool for doing just that. If your business is a convenience store type of design, the state of North Carolina has some security tips that should be part of your plan, too.

Secure your premises

Defying shrinkage (theft from retailers) means starting with a secure building. Not only should you have good quality locks, but you should have a monitored alarm system. Don’t forget to have the installer add panic buttons, a.k.a. hold-up alarms. Mounted under a counter at the cashier station, they give an instant alarm signal to police for situations such as in-progress robberies or other serious crimes.

I recommend: Call your local security systems dealer. Protection One, Vector Security, ADT are just a few of the companies in this business. At the very least, get a full-featured alarm system with a control pad, motion sensors, glass break sensors and door/window lines are cut. The Honeywell/Ademco “Vista” panels offer a full range of features for businesses, even allowing you to upgrade to electronic access control (such as electronic ID cards that open doors) and video surveillance if you should need that. Bosch’s G series systems can control fire systems, burglary and access control. DSC is another vendor to review.

Add video surveillance

Surveillance cameras, also called CCTV for closed circuit television, is a popular addition to retail security. It’s great for internal investigation purposes (did the cashier really pocket the $100 bill?) and as a visual deterrent to dishonest employees, shoplifters or armed robbers.

I recommend: Panasonic’s page on security cameras will give you a good idea of the kind of cameras available. You’ll want to record that video to a digital recorder. CBC America/Ganz has a page showing the types of digital recorders they make. Keep in mind that the number of channels is telling you how many cameras can be recorded. Get your security dealer to install it professionally along with your alarm system.

Research your employees

Part of any security plan should be how you’re going to prevent, reduce or deal with internal threats. And in the retail environment, a leading cause of loss is employee theft. In fact, as retail security analyst Mark Doyle noted in 2006, “On a per case average, dishonest employees steal approximately 5.7 times the amount stolen by shoplifters.”

I recommend: One of the best ways to start is to hire a background check service provider, like a ChoicePoint, HireRight, or InfoMart.

Be able to see your store

Besides surveillance cameras, you can make sure you can see your store by looking at proper lighting (especially for parking lots and areas employees might be at night) and by considering reflective mirrors to aid viewing in the stores.

I recommend: Se-Kure Controls is one such provider of security mirrors, which come in a variety of styles to fit your retail layout. Heath-Zenith has a nice line of security lights. GE Lighting Systems dealers will even use software to help you determine how much lighting you need.

Secure Your Sales

Cash needs to go in a cash register. Consider having one of your video cameras aimed at your registers to discourage employee theft and armed robberies. Look at reporting this data into a point-of-sale (POS) solution.

I recommend: Microsoft, a name you know, makes a POS solution, as does Quickbooks. CRS Inc. has a Web site that will help you understand the types of cash register/POS devices available today, and they have a retailer locator on the site, since they are a distributor.

Hire a Guard

If you’re a high-risk retailer dealing in high-value, easily stolen items (jewelry stores are great examples) , then it’s worth your time to consider hiring a security guard. Unless you just want them patrolling the area and filing reports, you’ll probably want them trained and OKed to carry a firearm.

I recommend: Securitas , AlliedBarton and Wackenhut are some of the biggest names in the business, though some retailers will directly hire off-duty police officers to be present at their business.