Security guards are the ultimate protectors of retail establishments from gas stations to clothing stores to car lots. Retail sales in the United States add up to more than 7.24 trillion U.S. dollars. With shrinkage, violence, and uncertainty on the rise across the country, more and more retail establishments are looking to professional security guards for protection.
Security Guards: Protecting Against Today’s Threats
Retail has always been a somewhat risky business. There have always been unscrupulous people who are willing to lie and steal to get ahead, but today’s retailers are facing new and unprecedented threats that need to be met head-on if one intends to have a successful establishment.
Retail Theft
Shrinkage is as old as retail itself. While a certain amount of shrinkage is normal, when it gets out of hand, stock no longer pays for itself and the company can no longer weather the losses. Traditionally shoplifting and employee theft were the largest contributors to this problem.
Security guards can help stop employee theft by being ever present and vigilant making employees far less likely to even attempt to steal from the establishment that they work at. Security guards also use tools such as electronic tagging and surveillance to keep a watchful eye out for shoplifters.
However, many of today’s retailers face a new threat in terms of shrinkage and that is group shoplifting. Today’s shoplifters have escalated things by working in large groups and using smash-and-grab tactics leaving injuries and destroyed businesses in their wake.
Stopping any form of retail theft comes down to a strong presence and a vigilant eye. Security guards work to prevent problems before they occur by being a visible deterrent as well as a useful assistant should they be needed.
Violence in Retail Settings
Robberies and burglaries have always been a concern for retailers trying to protect their stock, whether that stock is cows, clothing, or cars. Security guards can patrol to protect stock not only in a store but also in warehouses and during transport.
Sadly, today’s retailers have more to worry about than just robberies. In the current climate, violence can also come at the hands of the community when protests get out of hand and become looting. In such cases, the deterrence of having a security guard present could save your business by making it a less desirable target.
Additionally, mass shooting events have become a more common part of life in the United States. While no one method will guarantee a stop to these types of situations, many have been foiled by the watchful eye of a security guard. In worst-case scenarios, security guards are also able to help evacuate potential victims and act as a witnesses in court if need be.
Workplace Violence
As much as things change, some things stay the same. Workplaces are all vulnerable to interpersonal situations that get out of hand. Security guards help maintain a professional workplace environment that makes staff and customers feel safe and respected by making sure that workplace rules and regulations are enforced.
Security guards work as a barrier to prevent not only potential physical violence in the workplace but also threats, bullying, and sexual harassment.
Hire Retail Security Guards Today
Allstate Security provides highly trained, professional security guards that can elevate the security of your retail establishment. Their uniformed guards can work both armed and unarmed to ensure the safety of your premises, personnel, stock, and customers.
Prevention and awareness are the keys to retail security. Call Allstate Security today at
866-475-3818 to hire security guards to protect your store or business or visit online here for a fast and free quote.