BUSINESS SECURITY
BUSINESS SECURITY SOLUTIONS
Please note, GLS will come and assess and give advice on your security, with no obligation and free of charge if requested (Taranaki Residents).
Below are some tips/advice. This is by no means an exhaustive guide to security at the work place, but I will cover off some subjects I have had experience with over the years.
SHOP LAYOUT
It is always best to have counters closest to doors. Better to have only one entry and exit point. A back door/rear car park entry is dangerous. Have a buzzer/combination lock on said door for staff arrivals or courier deliveries.
Watch your delivery area. Goods left out back, for checking in, may disappear.
STAFF LEVELS
Most shop-lifters (especially groups) will target you over the lunch hour. Be extra vigilant at this time, try and alternate lunch times. Does it matter if some staff have a 11 to 12 lunch hour?
CAMERAS
Consider a camera over your main entry (facing inwards) and over your most expensive items. Consider a camera over your main till to combat staff theft. Many companies hire cameras from GLS for staff theft situations. Check your cameras from time to time, to make sure they working and that the date and time is accurate.
Do not let all staff look through all footage all the time. Only relevant footage if it might help ID someone. Be aware of the Privacy Act, click here for a pdf document that relates.
A screen/monitor above your door so that people can see they are being recorded is a good idea.
With staff thefts, always try and prosecute, otherwise the person will gain employment within weeks and start the same offending elsewhere.
SECURITY ALARM
Consider having a monitored alarm, it allows you to see what time staff come and go. Some good alarms can do this without being monitored.
PANIC PENDANTS
Mainly for high risk shops (pharmacies/firearms stores etc). However if you work alone you may like the idea of a panic pendant.
CELL PHONES
Always handy on your person. Remember they have great cameras and you might get a car rego or a photo of a suspect which will be useful to the Police.
Consider having a text word for help from neighbouring shops if you work alone and have a current issue with people in your own shop.
CHALLENGE ONLY AS FAR AS YOU CAN WITHIN REASON
It is not worth getting assaulted over stolen goods. Ask to see bags, or for people to accompany you back to the office, if you have witnessed a theft But only if you feel comfortable doing so. Get the attention of another staff member. Call the Police as soon as possible, use the 111 system even if everything is amicable, it may change.
Leave someone with the suspect when this call is made and at all times, otherwise the goods will not stay on their person and be shoved in desk draw or behind a sink or something. Then when the Police get there, the suspect proudly indicates they have nothing on them.
Try and deal with shoplifters on a ratio of two (staff) to one (suspect).
If they leave, descriptions, vehicles, direction of travel is always helpful.
Don’t be afraid to warn people they are on camera even if you have none.
You may defend yourself from any assault, the force used relevant to that being used against you.
