As the owner of a small business like a shop, you are often required to wear a number of different hats. Not only are you a shopkeeper but also an accountant, manager and customer service assistant among other things. One of the things that are vital to the success of any small shop is security, as when profit margins are tight you can’t afford to be losing money to shoplifters and other thieves. Obviously, as a small business putting in the latest hi-tech security gadgets may not be cost-effective.
However, there are still lots of different things you can do to protect yourself and your property against thieves and intruders. So, we thought we would have a look at some of the ways you can keep your business safe without breaking the bank.
Have Your Door and Window Locks Checked Regularly
One of the easiest ways for would-be thieves to gain entry into a property is if the locks are faulty. We would advise you to get advice from professional locksmiths in South Shields or wherever in the UK your shop is based. They will be able to guide you on the best options available to you and also do a review of your existing locks to ensure they are working efficiently. While there will be some cost involved it will usually be money well spent as it will give you peace of mind that your property is secure and well protected.
Ensure You and Your Staff Have Good Visibility at all Times
One of the best ways of deterring shoplifters is to ensure your shop has no blind spots. It is important for security purposes that you can see customers at all times. Now thinking of every customer as a potential shoplifter may seem cynical but at the end of the day, it pays to be vigilant. If your shop is badly lit and consists of several tall shelving units it could become a haven for would-be thieves. If possible you should try and ensure your premises has good lighting and wherever possible clear lines of sight. One way of doing this is with the use of mirrors to give you increased visibility.
Keep Valuable Items out of Reach
It goes without saying that shoplifters will wherever possible target high-value items. So, it is in your interest to keep these items out of easy reach of customers. For example, things like spirits and cigarettes are usually a magnet for thieves, both because of their value and the ease with which they can be disposed of. It is better to keep these items behind the counter where they cannot be accessed unless served by a staff member. The other alternative is to keep more valuable items in display cases that are locked and secure.
Install a CCTV System
CCTV has become a common sight in shops both large and small. While there is an obvious cost to CCTV it can be a good investment. With the advancement in technology and the number of models now available, CCTV has become much more affordable. You may also find that by installing CCTV in Wigan or anywhere else in the UK may help you get a better deal from your insurers when it comes to premiums. Installing CCTV also helps to create a safer environment for both customers and employees alike as well as providing a deterrent against theft.
Make Sure You Know When Someone Enters Your Shop
If you are a shop owner who routinely spends time in the shop on your own, it is imperative that you are alerted when a customer enters. You may be required to leave the shop to answer a phone call or a call of nature and if you do you need to be aware of when someone enters your shop. While it would be nice to think all customers were honest and trustworthy individuals unfortunately in today’s society that is not always the case. So, by installing an entry alert system you can be sure that customers are never left alone in the shop.
In conclusion, making sure your shop is secure and guarded against theft doesn’t have to cost the earth. While there are some cost implications in the ideas we have listed above they are not prohibitive and we feel that they will prove valuable when it comes to keeping yourself and your stock safe.
