5 LP Security Tips Guards Should Know

Loss prevention is serious business, and your ability to protect your assigned location will determine its security. We recently interviewed a security guard for security in Baltimore, MD that had over 5 years of security experience.   We were surprised to learn that he did not have a clear understanding of the most basic lost prevention tactics.   It’s important that security companies encourage their security guards to invest their time, energy and creativity to loss prevention, so they will know the best tips to prevent theft. Whether providing security for a local community or retail security in a store, security officers cannot be naïve by thinking their mere presence will halt all theft.   This is one the reasons our security company provides training for all of our security officers regardless of their level of experience.  

In addition to our previously stated general security tips, it is important for every security officer to use the following loss prevention tips:

An outgoing security guard is an incredible asset. There’s a reason modern retail outlets require employees to approach, talk to and follow shoppers: It prevents loss while promoting a positive store culture. Customers love being talked to. More importantly: Criminals hate the attention. You needn’t halt a busy person’s schedule to talk to them, but you should at least extend a helping hand, a helping eye and a helping conversation. Additionally, make sure you greet shoppers during these busy traffic times:

* Opening hours

* Lunchtime

* After-work hours

* Closing hours

If you’ve been positioned as a floorwalker, you’ll need to know the nooks and crannies shoplifters thrive upon. Monitor dark, set-back areas, and take note of any small hiding areas. Loss prevention occurs,

primarily, from shoplifters “stowing” items on location before returning later. If you can spot this behavior, root out the stowing locations and be proactive while doing your rounds, you’ll greatly cut down on an outlet’s incidents.

In addition to checking out-of-the-way goods, you should take care in making sure everything is visible from your perch. Use mirrors to eliminate blind spots, and learn the establishments’ angles. In most cases, you’ll be able to maintain full visibility without ever moving. That said, you shouldn’t be afraid to move if you need to. Just get a good handle on stationary visibility, first.   This idea was also mentioned in our previous article.

Every year, over $35 million in goods is stolen from retailers, states the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention. Loss prevention is a big job, and it’s only become more demanding. You’ll need to look sharp, be well-groomed and have clean clothes to get the point across: This is a serious job, and you’re serious about it. Psychologically, criminals are less likely to conduct a crime near an actively watching, prim and proper guard. Don’t lean on the wall, sport a wrinkled shirt and be uncaring about your appearance. A strong look and clean attire goes a long way.

You’d be surprised how many shoplifters park near store exits. Getaway cars are popular in “smash and dash” robberies, and they’re frequently easy to get to. If your store allows it, ask it to create a no-fire-lane policy. In general, you should urge against front-of-the-store parking. Even if a car isn’t used as a shoplifting tool, it can still kill your post’s visibility.

You should also look at these retail security system tips. Your store needs to be well-lit, and all security devices should be in plain view. If possible, instruct workers to position cash registers near a location’s exit. Again, visibility is key. In every case, you’ll need to stay alert. Be on guard, and keep the store’s protection as a chief concern.

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