Page 32 - GS240101_Flipbook

Education

Help merchants beat for thieves are minimized. Retailers can arrange shelves
and displays at lower heights to ensure a clear line of sight
the nighttime crime across the store. This layout not only aids in surveillance
but also creates a more open, inviting space for customers.
spike Additionally, incorporating mirrors strategically can
effectively extend the field of vision, allowing staff to
monitor hard-to-see areas without being intrusive.
Technology at the forefront of defense

Incorporating panic alarm buttons into a store's POS
systems is a smart move toward heightened security.
These panic alarm buttons are seamlessly integrated into
the POS system, allowing employees to discreetly alert
law enforcement during emergencies without drawing
By Elie Y. Katz attention or escalating the situation.
National Retail Solutions (NRS)
This integration is crucial, as it provides a swift and subtle
s winter nights stretch out, casting a lon- way to respond to threats, be it shoplifting, armed robbery
ger shadow over our streets, retail stores face or any other dangerous situation. The strategic integration
unique challenges. It's not just the chill in the of these panic alarm buttons in every POS terminal ensures
A air; it's the spike in crime that comes with the that employees are always within reach of a silent alarm
darkness. In this article, I'll address these challenges head- ready to be activated in case of suspicious or threatening
on, offering a range of practical and effective strategies you activity.
can relay to your merchants to enhance their security dur-
ing these longer winter nights. Combating internal theft

Boosting visibility and vigilance Security cameras strategically placed throughout a store
provide a visual record of all activities, deterring potential
Increasing visibility in and around a store is a primary internal theft and offering valuable evidence if misconduct
defense against winter crime. Good lighting, both inside occurs. Coupling these cameras with real-time POS
and outside, makes a significant difference. Brightly lit transaction monitoring creates a powerful tool.
exteriors discourage criminals, who prefer operating under
the cover of darkness. Ensure all entry points, parking areas This integration allows store owners to correlate
and peripheral zones are well-lit. This deters potential transaction data with video footage, allowing them to
thieves and makes customers and employees feel safer. spot discrepancies and unusual patterns, such as voided
transactions or discounts, that could indicate theft. This
Inside stores, adequate lighting helps staff monitor all dual approach helps identify and address internal theft
activities. Smart placement of lights eliminate shadows and swiftly and acts as a significant deterrent, promoting a
dark corners where theft could easily go unnoticed. culture of honesty and accountability among employees.
Vigilance is equally crucial. Merchants' employees are their Investing in robust safety measures, especially during the
eyes and ears on the ground. Training them to be observant long, dark winter nights, goes beyond mere loss prevention;
and proactive can turn the tide against retail crime. it's about creating a secure and trust-inspiring atmosphere
Retailers should encourage employees to acknowledge for customers and staff. Like advanced POS systems,
every customer entering the store—a simple greeting can enhanced safety measures play a crucial role here. They
make potential shoplifters think twice. streamline transactions and boost security by integrating
features like panic alarms, which are invaluable during
Staff should be trained to recognize and respond winter's extended hours of darkness.
to suspicious behavior. This doesn't mean being
confrontational. Instead, it's about being present and A store known for its security becomes a preferred choice
available to offer customer assistance, which can prevent for customers, nurturing loyalty and fostering a positive
theft without causing discomfort. Regular training sessions community image. When customers and employees
on safety protocols and how to handle various scenarios feel confident and secure, it naturally results in a more
can empower a merchant's staff, making a store a less profitable business model, as customers and employees
attractive target for criminals. feel more confident and secure, leading to increased foot
traffic, higher staff retention and, ultimately, a stronger
Smart store design for safety bottom line.

A thoughtfully designed store layout is a powerful tool in Elie Y. Katz is founder, president and CEO at National Retail Solutions
preventing retail theft. The goal is to create an environment (NRS), https://nrsplus.com. Contact him by phone at 201-715-5179 or by
where visibility is maximized and potential hiding spots email at ekatz@nrsplus.com.

32