Festive Season Security Tips For Retailers
12 Dec 2023
It's that time of the year again, and the 'silly season' is just around the corner.
Statistically, there is an increase in crime-related incidents in and around the shopping centre environment in the run-up to the festive season every year.
In an effort to make everyone aware that prevention is the cure, we have some basic security advice for all tenants operating in the shopping centre environment. Increased alertness and security awareness can prevent incidents and keep your environment crime-free.
The following advice is based on preventative strategies and insights obtained from real-life crime incidents over the years in and around shopping centres.
Banking and Handling of Cash: It is essential to revise and, if necessary, amend security measures in banking, safekeeping, and handling of cash. Theft and robbery of cash remain the most common threats in the shopping centre environment. This includes petty cash, takings from the previous day, and any other form of cash obtained through trading. Be aware of employees handling or banking cash, as 'theft and robbery scams' involving staff increase during the run-up to the festive period. Avoid routines where banking or handling of cash is done at the same times by the same people daily. Always be aware of your surroundings when making cash withdrawals to avoid being followed. Be extra vigilant when accepting cash and always perform security checks on cash to avoid false bank notes used in transactions. Avoid handling cash completely where possible. If keeping cash is unavoidable, it should always be stored in a drop-safe when in-store.Fraudulent Cards/Transactions: Fraudulent credit and banking card transactions increase during the festive period due to the rise in transactions. Staff should receive additional training on processing these transactions and escalating suspicious transactions. Any transaction that does not seem 100% legitimate should be declined, and an alternative secure method of payment should be required.
Customers Handbags and Cell Phones: Customers' handbags and cell phones will be targeted during this festive season in all stores, especially in restaurants and food courts. Train your staff to approach and request customers not to leave handbags and cell phones exposed or unattended in trolleys, hanging on chairs, on the floor, or on the counter.
Jewellery Shops: Jewellery shops are high-priority tenants in any shopping centre. Ensure that all security systems are tested and maintained during this time. Increase general security measures during the festive period. Avoid leaving jewellery in window displays overnight.
Cell Phone Stores: Stores trading with cell phones are regularly targeted during armed robberies. Never have cell phones in-store that are not secured in a safe, preferably fitted with a time-delay lock. Advise centre security of any large consignments of cell phones delivered to your store.
Theft and Armed Robberies: Regularly check display cases and locks in-store during trading hours to proactively identify tampering. Do not allow groups of people or individuals to cause a diversion in the store in a set-up to steal. Staff should be vigilant not to be distracted by this tactic. Report and follow up on any loiterers or suspicious behaviour in your store immediately. They might be 'scouting' your premises for possible access routes and security systems. Report all such incidents to centre security immediately. Comply with the instructions of armed robbers if the situation arises. Ensure all staff are trained on security and emergency procedures – always have panic buttons handy.
Shoplifting: Train your staff to be vigilant and observant. Make sure they can recognise suspicious behaviour (picking up and putting down the same item) and know the proper procedures for handling potential shoplifting situations. Greet customers as they enter the store and ask if they need assistance. This lets potential shoplifters know that employees are attentive and observant. Train staff to look out for people wearing oversized clothing and carrying large bags. Examples are bags that look like they contain recently purchased duvets, as these have been used to disguise foil-lined bags, which are designed to shield security tags from being detected at store exits. Ensure that your store has clear lines of sight, minimising blind spots where shoplifters can go unnoticed. Arrange displays and shelves to maximise visibility for both staff and security cameras. Use visible and clear signage indicating that the store is monitored by surveillance cameras and that shoplifting will be prosecuted.Break-ins: Ensure that alarms, CCTV, and panic buttons are in place and operational at all times. Revisit store closing procedures. Avoid leaving valuable items displayed or not securely locked away in a safe overnight to limit losses in the event of a break-in.
Theft out of Motor Vehicles: Never leave store delivery vehicles unattended while offloading or transporting goods. Inform your staff not to leave any valuable items in their motor vehicles while at work. Never leave any items exposed in a vehicle - valuable items (gym bags, laptop bags etc) should be locked in the boot – prior to arrival at the centre. Be aware on remote jamming – physically check that car doors are locked before walking away from the vehicle.Excellerate Security wishes you and all your staff a safe festive season and a prosperous 2024.
For any security assistance required during this period, please do not hesitate to contact Excellerate management directly for a prompt response on 0860 11 00 11.