Retail stores have a lot to consider when it comes to comprehensive security. Staff, customers, products, equipment, etc. all need to be secured and protected. Here are a few ways retail stores can improve security measures:

1. Implement some form of access control.
2. Upgrade your security cameras.
3. Use EAS tags and security alarms.
4. Get the lighting right.
5. Maintain property and systems.
6. Upgrade door and window security.
7. Regularly review and audit your store and systems.
8. Train your employees.
9. Don’t forget cybersecurity.

1. Implement Some Form of Access Control

Access control systems allow you to manage who has access to your facility. In addition to preventing unauthorized entry to secure staff areas, these systems also protect your store when it is not open to the public.

Good access control systems allow for varying levels of access, access logs for monitoring, and more. You can also use different types of access control readers to create and manage access to different zones on your property. This allows you to customize access control across your building and property within an integrated security system.

You can secure an employee entrance to prevent unauthorized access to employee-only areas and also to keep track of who is entering and when to help manage staffing and scheduling. At the same time, you can lock down and limit access to inventory storage areas or administrative offices that may be storing safes, important documents, etc. These are some ways access control systems save businesses time and money.

Often, access control and alarm systems for your business go hand-in-hand. Wireless alarm systems can add a layer of protection to your retail store when it is closed and unattended. This is one of the many reasons to consider a wireless alarm system for your business, especially one that is included with or integrated with the access control you need.

2. Upgrade Your Security Cameras

Video surveillance is an essential component of comprehensive security for any facility, especially retail stores. Although security cameras are relatively standard in retail, they are likely outdated if they haven’t been updated for several years. There are several reasons to use video surveillance for your business, but it may not be helpful if the technology is too outdated to keep up with your needs.

Video surveillance technology has come a long way, and new security cameras are equipped with a lot of different intelligent video analytics capabilities. In addition to things like license plate recognition and geo-enabled analytics, smart security cameras can also monitor and count objects, track movement between areas, and more. There are a lot of ways to use smart video analytics to improve business operations.

Visible security cameras act as a deterrent anyway. On top of that, these features are particularly beneficial in retail and can make a big difference in loss prevention. Being able to proactively monitor and reduce theft is one of the benefits of retail security systems that has a direct impact on the bottom line.

3. Use EAS Tags and Security Alarms

EAS (electronic article surveillance) tags and security alarms at store exits can also help deter theft and protect high-value merchandise. Security alarms add a layer of protection and create an extra obstacle for potential shoplifters to overcome.

This can help reduce shoplifting and deter potential robbers from targeting your retail store. The more deterrents and obstacles you have without negatively affecting shopper experience, the less attractive your store may be as a potential target for bad actors.

4. Get the Lighting Right

When it comes to interior design, lighting can make or break a room. The same is true in retail. The right lighting can help you create a comfortable and relaxing shopping experience. At the same time, hitting the right balance with lighting can deter criminal activity and improve building security.

It’s hard to hide what you’re doing in well-lit and brightly-lit areas. Good lighting improves parking lot security, building security, and more. Bright lights around the property at dusk and at night make your storefront a less attractive target for suspicious behavior. This also adds an element of perimeter protection, especially if it doesn’t make sense for your store property to be fenced or gated.

This is also one of the ways to improve security at outdoor shopping centers. Good lighting, in addition to security cameras, can help reduce and prevent property damage and break-ins. Inside the store, it can help deter and prevent shoplifting.

5. Maintain Property and Systems

Comprehensive security is an ongoing effort. Even the best security systems need to be maintained and sometimes repaired or upgraded. One of the biggest best practices for managing and maintaining security systems is regularly looking over them, cleaning components that need to be cleaned, and making repairs when needed.

This is true for your store and property as well. Make sure exterior doors and windows are monitored and that everything is in good shape. Check locks on all doors to ensure the right locks are being used and nothing is in need of repair or replacement.

General upkeep will help you spot obvious things that need to be repaired or replaced. It can also help you identify emerging gaps or new vulnerabilities your security systems need to address. You may even find new environmental considerations for physical security assessments that you need to address.

6. Upgrade Door and Window Security

Doors and windows are highly targeted areas and can be weak points in your building’s physical security. In addition to locks and security cameras, you can further strengthen window and door security with other methods. Starting with sturdy windows and doors, complete with reinforced frames, is a good foundation.

Upgrading to high-quality locks on doors and windows is a good start. Tamper-resistant glass and features can help doors and windows resist break-in attempts. Security film or laminated glass on windows and any glass in the doors can help add a layer of protection and shatter resistance to these potential weak points. Additionally, security bars can help prevent forced entry.

7. Regularly Review and Audit Your Store and Systems

In addition to regular maintenance, it’s also important to regularly review and audit your store, processes, and systems. In these audits, your goal is to review incidents and proactively identify potential improvements. This is one of the ways retail stores can improve security measures, and is why you shouldn’t skip vulnerability assessments.

Being able to generate reports of past incidents can help you identify patterns and potential gaps in your current security. This is one of the reasons why you need incident management software. In retail, being able to close gaps and cover vulnerabilities often results in dollars added to your bottom line.

In addition to insights gained from incident reports, staff, etc., you can also conduct a building vulnerability assessment to review and audit your current security systems. Doing this with a good security systems integrator as your partner can help identify security gaps and emerging threats or vulnerabilities you should address in your commercial security.

8. Train Your Employees

Your employees often have a lot of responsibilities. They’re also often the ones spending the most time in the store and out on the floor. This means they are in a unique position to offer valuable insights into daily interactions with customers, potential improvement in processes, patterns of issues that pop up for them, and more.

Including safety procedure training can help ensure your employees know what to do in an emergency. It can also help make them aware of what to look for around the store and create a culture of security, awareness, and improvement.

If members of your team are trained on your security systems, they may also be able to provide valuable insights on potential improvements that need to be made. Not only can this help eliminate potential security gaps as things evolve and change over time, but good training can also help cut down on false alarms caused by human error.

9. Don’t Forget Cybersecurity

The physical security of your store is important, but it’s essential that you do not overlook cybersecurity. POS (point-of-sale) systems are high-value targets for hackers, and you need to do what you can to safeguard that valuable data.

There are a few digital safety tips you can use to help protect and secure your store’s POS system:

• Encrypt Sensitive Data
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication
• Create Complex Passwords
• Change Passwords Every Six Months, At Least
• Keep Software Updated, Especially Security Updates
• Use Antivirus Software and POS Monitoring Services

Improve Your Commercial Security With NEPPS

Although they are still an essential component for good security, you need more than security cameras to secure your property. Including having the right video surveillance, these are just a few ways retail stores can improve security measures.

The right commercial security solution will vary slightly depending on each store’s unique needs and operations. Partnering with an experienced security systems integrator can make sure vulnerabilities are identified and comprehensive security solutions are provided. If you need to upgrade the security of your retail stores, contact NEPPS at 1-800-736-1456.