By London Security College
How to prevent shoplifting in retail stores?
How to prevent shoplifting in retail stores?
Shoplifting and retail theft is in this era the greatest hurdle in the way of retailers. It is very common nowadays. But it can be controlled through various actions by service providers. These include the implementation of strict security, hiring trained individuals who specialise in handling this problem and usage of technology and expertise.
What is shoplifting?
The act of taking goods from a store without authorization or purposefully paying less than the item’s retail price is commonly referred to as shoplifting. Nonetheless, carrying, hiding, or otherwise tampering with goods with the intention of stealing it or paying less for it might be considered shoplifting.
To stop or minimise shoplifting there should be modern CCTV cameras, well trained CCTV camera operators, specialised security guards and a smooth monitoring and management system.
Ways through which Shoplifting can be Prevented
- Employee Education and Watchfulness: Putting money into thorough training programs for your employees is essential to combat theft effectively. Teach your staff to recognize the telltale symptoms of shoplifting, which include strange conduct, prolonged browsing without a plan to buy, and loitering. Urge them to make themselves known by approaching clients in a polite manner and providing assistance. Provide frequent updates to keep your staff up to date on the latest strategies employed by shoplifters.
- Monitoring Programs: Install a strong security system with exits and entrances marked with security cameras to keep an eye on high-theft zones and other important parts of the store. To guarantee peak performance, regularly upgrade and maintain your surveillance gear.
- Visible Laws and Banners: Post notices throughout the store that are obvious and unambiguous about your policies against shoplifting and the associated penalties. Declare that stealing will not be tolerated and that anyone who does it will face the harshest penalties possible.
Hire trained professionals: Put in place visible security measures, such as loss prevention staff or security guards, who will take care of the shoplifters according to their expertise.
Employ SIA Trained and Licensed Security Officers
SIA is the governing agency of the private sector security industry of the UK. It takes care of the licensing and legal certification of individuals who want to work as security officers. If one does not have a SIA legal licence he cannot work as a security officer in the UK. Obtaining the SIA legal licence is not an easy task as it demands individuals to meet the SIA requirements which are thorough and time consuming but ultimately lead to a very fulfilling career in security.
The SIA provides a wide range of courses in different niches for people to have a choice of getting enrolled in their desired one.These include door supervisor course, security guard course, cctv operator course and a lot more. One has to complete a course and get certified training and then only he/she will be eligible for SIA licence.
Hence, it is evident that SIA has very strict policies for the training of people to make them professional, highly skilled and equipped security officers. So, if retail stores employ SIA certified security officers there is a high chance that they can keep sharp control over shoplifting or related issues. This is because SIA licensed security officers are given all the necessary training, education and skills on how to deal with such issues and resolve them.
How will SIA licensed Security Officers control Shoplifting?
SIA licensed security professionals are given training in all the possible aspects and therefore, they can prove to be a valuable asset for your business. A few important aspects of their training include:
- Physical intervention techniques
- Conflict management
- Customer service
- Emergency procedures
- Arrest criteria
- Fire safety awareness
- Searching
- Civil and criminal law
- Behavioural standards
- Health and safety awareness
After injecting all these skills and training, there is a proper assessment of individuals as well which further justifies if one is capable of qualifying for SIA licence or not. Different programs have a different criteria for the examination. Once the individual is fully assessed, they are given their results and they can only apply for a SIA legal licence if they pass the exams. Then again SIA does its work by rechecking the capability of a person to work as a security officer in the UK. If a person clears this stage as well only then they are given their licence and then they can work as a security officer in the UK.
Conclusion
SIA leaves no doubt on the fact that individuals certified through SIA are the best option for businesses like retail shops for their security and to prevent shoplifting. Therefore, together with other security measures like installation of surveillance and warnings to the public, service providers should keep SIA licensed security officers as a mandatory element of their security policy.
This approach can surely help retailers in reducing the risk of shoplifting. It is better to beforehand invest in accurate measures to prevent such things like shoplifting than to bear financial losses.
Recent Posts
SIA Courses
