Personal larceny and robbery increase by 20% around the holidays, and the holiday season always sees a spike in the number of shoplifting crimes committed. If you have a shop or retail establishment, now is the time to employ security guards to protect your store, your product, and your customers.
Retailers in California lost more than $8 billion to theft in 2022. Retailers face threats from robberies, shoplifting from both groups and individuals, and even theft by trusted employees and vendors.
Security guards are the perfect answer to curb theft in a retail setting instantly.
How Security Guards Prevent Shoplifting
Security guards play a critical role in preventing shoplifting during the bustling holiday season, when stores are filled with more merchandise and higher customer volumes. Their visible presence is often enough to deter potential shoplifters, who are less likely to target stores with active security personnel on-site.
Guards are trained to recognize suspicious behavior, such as individuals lingering in certain areas, making repeated visits without purchases, or acting unusually nervous. By keeping a close watch on these behaviors, guards can intervene before theft occurs. Furthermore, guards are often equipped with communication tools, allowing them to swiftly report incidents and coordinate with other team members, ensuring potential threats are quickly addressed. In addition to reducing losses, their presence provides peace of mind to both store employees and shoppers, contributing to a safer shopping environment during the busy holiday rush.
How Security Guards Prevent Crimes Against Customers
During the holidays, the high number of shoppers makes customers more vulnerable to crimes, including theft and assault. Security guards play a crucial role in protecting both customers and their belongings. Many retail security guards perform mobile patrols, monitoring parking lots to deter thieves from targeting vehicles filled with recent purchases. They also assist customers walking to their cars, helping them feel secure and preventing opportunistic criminals from attempting “grab-and-go” thefts.
Guards stationed inside the store are attentive to customer interactions and can quickly respond if someone feels threatened or in danger. This attentive presence not only protects shoppers but also encourages more people to frequent the store, knowing that they are safe while making their holiday purchases. Mobile patrols, vigilant monitoring, and prompt responses to incidents allow security guards to safeguard customers from a range of potential holiday season threats.
How Security Guards Protect Against Employee & Vendor Theft
Employee and vendor theft can be a significant issue for retailers, particularly when stores are busy and inventory is constantly changing during the holiday season. Security guards help mitigate this risk by keeping a watchful eye on store operations, from monitoring restricted areas to conducting periodic inventory checks. By having security staff present, employees are less likely to commit theft, as they know that any suspicious activity is likely to be noticed.
Guards also observe vendor activities, ensuring that delivery personnel follow store protocols and preventing any unauthorized access or movement of products. In addition, security guards can track and log inventory movement, further reducing the likelihood of internal theft. This oversight is particularly valuable during the holidays when stores have increased stock levels and rely on temporary seasonal staff who may not be as familiar with company policies. With guards in place, stores can safeguard their assets and reduce potential losses.
Retail Settings Need Security Guards
For retailers, hiring security guards during the holiday season is an investment in safety, reputation, and peace of mind. With shoplifting, customer-related crimes, and internal theft on the rise, security guards provide a reliable solution to reduce these risks. Guards are trained to handle a variety of situations, from de-escalating conflicts to swiftly responding to emergencies, ensuring that the retail environment remains safe and welcoming.
To hire security guards now, before the season gets hectic, call Allstate Security at 619-369-3612 or visit online for a free quote now.