From Security Shutters to CCTV Cameras: Important Security Features All Retail Establishments Need

It’s an unfortunate reality that retail businesses can be specifically targeted by thieves, but luckily there’s plenty you can do to ensure that your store is as protected and secure as possible. From high-tech CCTV systems to sturdy security shutters, read on to find out more about the important security features all retail establishments need. 

Why is retail security so important?

Retail theft can be extremely damaging to your profits and bottom line and many independent businesses simply can’t afford to lose any amount of stock, big or small. Retail security measures protect both your business and your customers from loss, from either theft of stock or a loss of business if your store has to close. 

Even ‘petty theft’ can quickly add up and these losses can have a devastating effect on your business’s future. Failure to install proper security measures also leaves your staff at risk of harm from aggravated theft, so it really is essential to take the right steps to protect your business. Measures such as security guards could also increase your customer base too, as most qualified security workers are also trained in customer service. People are more likely to return to your store if they’re in a safe environment and greeted by helpful, friendly door staff. 

As you can see, there are many important reasons to invest in security measures for your retail business, and luckily there are plenty available that can help. From revolving doors to secure shutters for the front of your business, read on to learn more about the best types of security to protect your retail establishment. 

These retractable shutters or grilles can be pulled down and secured at the end of the working day to protect glass shop fronts and hide valuables displayed in shop windows. Most security companies will be able to make a bespoke shutter to order, to ensure the perfect fit and maximum security.

Commercial roller shutter doors are most commonly made of aluminium or metal and they offer both increased physical security and a visual deterrent for any opportunistic thieves. They also come in a range of colours to blend in with your business colour scheme, and can be manually or electronically operated for your convenience. Shutters can be made from solid slats of metal, or contain ‘vision slats’ which enable passers by to partially see goods on display even when the store is closed. Many owners also believe it looks more inviting and prevents the business looking like it has closed for good. 

A CCTV security system is essential for any retail business for many reasons, aside from the obvious fact that it helps to protect both your premises and property. CCTV cameras offer 24 hour surveillance and are a vital tool for collecting evidence of theft (or any other crime on site), and taped evidence from your CCTV system can be used by the police to secure a prosecution. 

Prominently positioned cameras also act as a deterrent for thieves as nobody wants to be caught with evidence of their crime on camera. Finally, CCTV can reassure both your customers and staff and help to reduce instances of antisocial behaviour. A professional company will be able to advise owners on the best CCTV system for their business and explain the options in full. Bespoke systems are also an option and these can be built to ensure that every important area is covered and monitored. 

This may not seem like the most obvious of security measures, but revolving doors can help protect your business by slowing down the speed at which criminals can escape. They also carefully control the exit and entry of people to your shop, so it’s easier to keep an eye on who’s coming and going.

There are further practical benefits to installing revolving doors too, including increased energy efficiency, maintaining a stable temperature inside your retail store, avoiding draughts and reducing noise pollution. 

These are visible in a wide range of retail businesses, from supermarkets to pharmacies, clothing stores and jewellery shops. These anti-theft alarms are positioned at the entry/exit points of a store and most use a form of radio-frequency (RF) technology to detect if something has been stolen. 

A simplified version of how this system works is as follows: each product in your shop will have a radio frequency tag in the form of a label or plastic chip. When a product is scanned for purchase, this deactivates the tag meaning that it can be removed from the store without the alarm going off. However, in the event of an attempted theft, the tag will be activated and transmit a radio wave at a very precise frequency. This is then detected by the receiver gate (the barriers you see at the exit), setting off the alarm. 

These barriers are highly sensitive, making them very effective when it comes to alerting you about potential theft. In some cases the alarm will be set off for an innocent reason (if someone made a purchase but the tag didn’t deactivate properly), but overall these barriers are still an excellent way to identify and deter shoplifters. 

Sometimes you need that personal, human touch when it comes to your security, and hiring a professional security guard can do wonders for your business. There are many benefits to be gained by using trained security guards, starting with a reduction in thefts, assaults and general vandalism. 

Any good security guard should also be able to provide a basic level of customer service and they’ll help your customers feel more at ease too. Security systems such as CCTV are very useful for monitoring each area of your business, but sometimes you can’t beat in-person surveillance. Security guards are trained to constantly monitor the premises, assess potential security threats, and contain them before things escalate. 

It’s not just the physical security that’s important for your retail establishment, you should take proactive steps to increase your online security too. Almost all retail businesses are connected to the internet in some way, so it’s vital to secure your networks to protect customer data and sensitive financial information. 

Regularly check your anti-virus software to make sure it’s the most up to date version and make sure you’re always connected to a secure network. It’s also wise to store a backup of all important data in a secure cloud system, so that you still have access to vital information even if your main system encounters a technical problem or is hacked.

If you’re looking for a full range of security systems to protect your retail business, get in touch with the expert team at Shuretech. As one of the leading security companies in Reading, we have everything you need to keep your premises safe and secure, including metal security gates, CCTV systems, shutters, barriers and more. Our professional and reliable engineers are all health and safety accredited and fully trained to install and maintain a wide range of security products.

We can also work with you to design a range of bespoke security solutions, whether that’s aluminium gates, sectional overhead doors or security grilles, giving you the perfect fit every time for your peace of mind. For more information about any of our security products and services, don’t hesitate to give us a call today or visit our website.