Is your business sufficiently protected from loss prevention? As the holiday season rapidly approaches, business owners should be taking steps to lock down their loss prevention measures. With busy shoppers coming in and out of stores, it’s critical that business owners make sure their establishments are as safe as possible.
Ask yourself these questions to make sure you are covered:
Have you installed security cameras and alarms?
Security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on what’s going on in your store. Make sure to place them in key areas, such as the entrance and exit, so that you can monitor everyone who comes and goes.
Have you secured your most valuable merchandise?
It’s essential that your most valuable items are locked down so that they can’t be easily taken. You might need to keep them in a locked case or secure them with a simple cable lock.
Have your employees gone through loss prevention training?
Make sure to properly train all of your employees on how to handle difficult situations. Your staff should also know how to spot common signs of theft and who to contact if they observe suspicious activity.
Do you have clear signage?
Good signage can be one of the most affordable ways to protect your business. Can customers clearly see which areas they are allowed to be in and which areas are only for employees? Is it clear that your location is protected and being monitored? These small steps can help prevent theft.
Do you have an anonymous tip line?
Tips from your employees can be the best way to identify internal fraud or theft. Make it easy for employees to share any potential criminal activity with you by offering an anonymous tip line or website form.
Have you created a security plan?
Having a detailed security plan in place can help you stay prepared for any emergency, including theft and robbery. Come up with a list of emergency contacts, evacuation plans, and other important information. Then be sure to share this plan with your employees.
Do you compare your receipts and inventory?
Loss prevention comes in more forms than just theft. Sometimes your accounting processes are your best tool for catching losses. Make sure to keep track of all of your store receipts so that you can review them later if necessary. Also, make sure you have a process for finding and dealing with shrinkage. This can help you identify any areas where you may have lost money.
These are just a few tips to help you get started. For more information on loss prevention and to make sure your business is secure, contact us for a consultation.
