Stay Safe This Festive Season: Practical Security Tips for Retail Staff and Store Owners

03 Dec 2024

As we head into the holiday season It’s an opportune time to call on all store owners and store assistants to remain extremely alert during this year's festive shopping season. Criminal syndicates use this period as an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities that present themselves when stores are full of shoppers. How the season is navigated is a shared responsibility between the security industry and the retail community, including store owners, managers, and shop assistants.

Over the years, it has been noted that a combination of three factors, motive, means, and opportunity contributes to the increase in crime. The festive rush, packed stores, and busy staff juggling multiple tasks create the perfect conditions for criminals to act. 

“From our extensive experience managing shopping centres nationwide, we have observed how retail staff are especially at risk during the festive season. They are often so focused on assisting shoppers and managing the holiday hustle that they can become targets for crimes such as theft of personal belongings or cash register robberies. It is important to stay vigilant and adopting proactive measures can go a long way in preventing these incidents,” said Adriaan Otto, Excellerate Service Managing Director.

Understanding the risks that commonly arise during this season is the first step in staying prepared. Here are some of the key threats to watch out for:

1.Sophisticated Shoplifting Techniques

Organised groups often use diversion tactics to steal merchandise. While one person creates a distraction, others take advantage and walks off with items unnoticed.

2.Personal Property Theft

Criminals frequently target the bags, wallets, and cell phones of flustered or distracted store assistants. 

3.Fraudulent Activities

Be on the lookout for suspicious payment methods, counterfeit documents, and confidence scams. These activities are increasingly common during the busy festive season.

Taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in reducing risks and ensuring the safety of retail staff and customers. Here are some essential safety reminders to help safeguard stores and minimise the chances of criminal activity:

1.Never leave handbags or wallets on counters or desks. Carry them with you or lock them away.

2.Always keep your money in a safe place and do not leave your cash register unattended. 

3.Ensure that your banking procedures change constantly. Do not go to the bank at the same time everyday. Make sure that you do not carry large amounts of cash with you. 

4.Be careful with keys. Always place them in a safe place. Don’t put spare keys in drawers. 

5.Make sure that you are visible at all times. When someone enters your shop, ensure that they know that you are watching them. 

6.Never turn your back on customers. Don’t talk to other people whilst leaving your “customers” unattended. They will be tempted to take items from your store without you knowing. 

7.Never assume that the stranger walking into your shop is a potential customer. Challenge him / her. Even “Can I help you?” will often deter the dishonest. 

8.Ensure that your shop is properly secured when leaving. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and that you have set your alarm. 

9.Be aware of groups entering your shop. If someone looks suspicious, contact the center security for assistance. Do not allow groups to draw your attention so as to allow another person to steal something from your shop. 

10.You have the right to approach any person in your store and ask them if they require assistance. If something looks suspicious, contact your center security and request assistance.  

Retailers, your vigilance is the first line of defence, train your teams, and stay observant. If a crime does occur, and a suspect is apprehended adopting a zero-tolerance policy and reporting the incident is important. 

“One of the biggest challenges (and frustrations) that we experience as a security company, is when we help arrest criminals, but the store chooses not to press charges, opting rather just to take their property back. Pressing charges isn't just about one incident, it's about sending a powerful message to criminal networks. Every prosecution disrupts syndicate operations, sends a strong message and creates a deterrent for future criminal activities. Importantly criminal charges contribute to the crime statistics of the local police station, these statistics inform the resource allocation of crime prevention operation. No crime means no police resource allocation,” Otto continued.  

Excellerate Services is fully prepared to support retailers during this busy season. Our tactical teams have undergone advanced training, and our response protocols are carefully refined to ensure a safe shopping environment.

Stay safe and stay vigilant.

For any assistance, contact our 24hr Command Centre 0860 11 00 11