Security Tips for Loss Prevention for Laptop-Selling Retail Stores
January 20, 2010
A laptop-selling retail store is a favorite target of robberies because they’re fairly portable and they’re definitely easy to sell in black markets. Vandals may also find laptop-selling retail stores an easy target because they can do a lot of damage given just a little bit of time.
If you own a laptop-selling retail store, here are a number of security tips to consider.
Use mechanical and computerized locks
Every safe, display counter, and door must have two layers of security. The first should require authorized personnel to provide the correct password and the second would require them to be in possession of the necessary card or metal keys.
Admittedly, having all these secured with a computerized locking system would take a bit of money and time but surely, it’s worth the safety and security of your expensive merchandise?
Use metal detectors
If you don’t have a security guard working for your store then make do with a metal detector stationed at the entry point at the very least. Metal detectors will prevent people from taking advantage of your momentary lapses of vigilance and go strolling out of your store with your laptops in tow. If burglars are thinking of targeting your store, they’ll have to do it the hard way.
Metal detectors are quite costly so it’s understandable that you won’t be able to have one at every entry/exit point. If you have multiple access points in your store, consider locking everything up expect for the main entryway during operating hours. And for non-operating hours, consider only using one access point at a time. It will be more difficult for you to protect your business interests if burglars can enter the premises from various points.
Use alarms
If possible, skip basic alarms and go straight to the high-end models that allow you to purchase subscription plans for a direct line to the local police. When these alarms go off, law enforcement officers are immediately dispatched to your store.
These alarms must be integrated with your retail security system. They will go off any time your motion sensors are triggered.
Use preventive security measures
Of course, you can save yourself a lot of hassle by employing security measures that prevent criminals from even attempting to break into your store in the first place. Activate electrically charged fences at night. Post warning signs about it as well as informing them that they are about to enter a CCTV secured zone.
If all these security precautions are in place then burglars would take one look at your store and move on to the next target. Your store just isn’t worth the risk!
image credits to sxc.hu
Retail stores are oftentimes the target of petty crimes such as burglary, employee theft, violence and some other serious crimes. Store owners feel the need to have a security system not only to protect themselves and their business, but their clients and employees as well. Many systems have been introduced to increase security in stores like these but with the advent of technology, there are now modern ways to keep stores safe at all times.
Modern gadgets have been designed and sold to the public. They come in many sizes and are used for different purposes. They also vary in prices. Examples of modern security devices would be monitored alarm systems, motion sensor lighting and cameras, convex mirrors, video surveillance systems like CCTVs, internal “keyless” doors, bolts for valuable items, smoke detectors, etc.
Let me just explain how one example works. Take, for instance, an IP camera. It is inexpensive but with it, they can access this camera remotely at any time of the day as long as there is an Internet connection. Another example would be cameras installed at kiosks. These cameras only work when movement is detected. See how well these gadgets would work for you as a store owner. Security devices need not be expensive all the time.
There are techniques to keep your modern security gadgets working optimally. One way to make sure that they are fully working is to have the back-up batteries replaced every 3-4 years. Alarms, in particular, should be checked by professionals once every year. To make sure that the devices are always working, test them every other month or so. Do this in coordination with the people who will receive the alarm.
If you have experienced false alarms, check for webs or dirt especially in the areas covered by motion sensors. Update your security provider on the list of authorized personnel. There may be staffs who have resigned or are new at work.
Although quite expensive, every retail store should have a security system that is modern enough to be reliable and trustworthy when the time comes when you need it the most. It is sure worth the investment since it really spells the difference if an actual crime does happen in your own store. You just have to be prepared for unfortunate events like these. Do not anymore think of how much you have to invest on this; just think how much safer it is for you, your employees, your clients and your hard-earned business.
image credits to pulpolux
Brackley Industries – Market leaders in Multi-Disc Packaging Solutions and Retail Security Products
For store owners and retailers, selling hand-held products can be a terrific business opportunity and a nightmare all at the same time. Hand-held products are generally high value and trendy, which means they are likely in high demand among consumers. Like most consumer goods, however, hand-held products are checked, examined and tested by would-be buyers. This increases the likelihood that they could get tampered with, altered or worst, stolen. Could you keep your store hand-held products secure? We take a look at your options.
First, you could teach your sales clerks to be alert. After all, the products are their responsibility. If trained well, they could be expected to ensure that store hand-held products are safe and secure. Unfortunately, a sales clerk has a limited range of attention. If there are three or four customers asking to see and inspect several items all at one time, it would be easy indeed for your sales clerk to overlook how hand-held products are handled. Some customer queries may not be answered satisfactorily and some customers may be ignored. A sales clerk will also fail to promote the product properly if he is confused and frazzled.
Another option is using security cameras. After all, they are proven crime deterrents. Unfortunately, cameras are not the all-seeing eye they are purported to be. For one, ineffective positioning could leave ‘blind’ spots. For another, they require another person to monitor all activities, which in itself presents some limitations.
A last resort: prevent damage to and theft of hand-held products by keeping them safe behind display glass cabinets. When customers can only see them but not touch or inspect them, expect your customers to lose interest and walk away without buying anything. This is just proof of how inefficiently you’re running your store.
You could try using any or all of these impractical solutions — or you could use anti theft security systems like VersaMag. VersaMag is currently the gadget of choice for retailers of hand-held products. It’s designed to display small or hand-held electronics for customers to look at and inspect, all the while ensuring that products are kept safe and secure in a discreet manner. With VersaMag, you can put all your most popular products on display and allow would-be buyers to touch and explore them (as they should with all electronic gadgets). Since products are made available to customers, they can test each electronic device, inspect it, test run built-in applications and explore available features. VersaMag can also guarantee optimal display for feature products.
Since VersaMag handles your products, your sales clerks are free to wait on your customers, let them test the hand-held product and answer any questions that customers may have. VersaMag can keep your store hand-held products secure while ensuring a more efficient way for you and your people to handle sales and marketing. Ultimately, it equates to improved customer service and better business.
image credits to todd binger
Brackley Industries aims to offer the latest innovative, high quality and eco-friendly products to a broad range of retail industries and manufacturers. Our products include: Media Packaging Solutions * DVD * CD * Mailer Cases * Blu-ray * Games * Eco Friendly Range * ONE-Time™ Range * Toyetic Cases * Metal Sleeves * Promotional / Customised Other Packaging Solutions * Memory Cards * Flash Media * Ink Cartridge Packaging * Razor blades * MP3 * Battery Packs * Nicotine Replacement Therapies Retail Security Products * Lockable Cases * Line Alarms * Secured & Powered Product Displays * Physical Security Solutions Rental Products * ZenithPac™ Rental Range * Zenith Keeper™ Rental Range * ONE-Time™ Rental Range
