Introduction to Security

1Introduction to SecurityChapter 16Commercial Security

2Retail Security Threats:ShopliftingBurglaryVandalismPassing bad checksFraudulent credit cardsEmployee theftRobbery

3Retail Security: What is the real threat?Statistics tell us that employee theft accounts for approximately 47% of inventory shrinkageShoplifting remains the second leading cause of inventory shrinkage, accounting for approximately 32%

4Retail Security : ShopliftingTypes of shoplifters:Amateurs These can be anyone from a juvenile to a doctor; these people generally use what they stealAccount for the largest number of shopliftersProfessionals Those who steal to re-sell the merchandise

5Retail Security: ShopliftingMethods of ShopliftingPalming objectsDropping objects into a shopping bag, book bag or pursePlacing items inside clothingBooster box Switching price tags

6Retail Security: ShopliftingIndicators of Possible Shoplifting:Picking up and putting down items repeatedly (an effort to confuse a watcher)Frequently opening and closing a purseContinuously looking aroundRoaming with no apparent patternFrequently using elevators, bathrooms, or other places that are difficult to watch

7Retail Security: ShopliftingIndicators of Possible Shoplifting:Wearing bulky clothing in warm weatherA coat over an armAn arm in a slingCarrying an umbrella, or many boxes or bags

8Retail Security: ShopliftingDeterring ShopliftingHaving an alert, trained sales forceFloor walkersUniformed security officers at entries and exitsAnti-shoplifting merchandisingAnti-theft devicesConvex mirrorsCCTV systems

9Retail Security: ShopliftingApprehending Shoplifters:It is critical to distinguish a thief from the absent-minded shopper who accidently walks out with something.Apprehend the shoplifter so that the merchandise can be recoveredMake sure personnel have reasonable cause to detain a shoplifter (laws vary on this - check local statutes)

10Retail Security: ShopliftingProsecuting ShopliftersLocal statutes are going to be a large factor in the decision on whether or not to prosecute.

11Retail Security: ShopliftingEstablish company guidelines:Samples:AGE: 12 and under parents called and released to them13 16 = juvenile offendersPast historyAttitudeStrength of case

12Retail Security: Organized Retail Crime (ORC)This involves professional thieves operating as a network who steal, repackage and resell stolen goods.Most popular items are electronics, razor blades, liquor, OTC medicine, baby formula, health and beauty aids, and meat

13Retail Security: Bad Checks and Credit/Debit CardsTo reduce losses:Teach employees to recognize telltale signs of fraudulent itemsRecord relevant information on the back of all cashed checksReconcile ID description with the userRequire ID with all purchases other than cash

14Retail Security: Other IssuesMany losses are caused by employees, either by mistake or sometimes even on purposeMaintain strict pricing procedures so items are not marked wronglyWatch cashiers to ensure they are ringing up every item at their register; often, cashiers will have a friend come through and only ring up certain items.

15Retail Security: Other IssuesReturns & Refunds: establish return guidelines and be sure employees follow itBe aware it is easier for employees to abuse the return/refund system than it is for customers.

16Retail Security: MallsSecurity at malls lags behind the rest of the retail sector for several reasons:Very little money is spent on itTraining for mall security officers is inadequateHiring standards have not changedRisk assessments are rare

17Retail Security: Malls Suggestions:Conduct a formal risk assessmentCurtail all access to air circulation systemsUse passive barriers to prevent cars loaded with explosives from accessing the mallDevelop and practice emergency response plansEnhance partnerships with the local sector

18Lodging and Hospitality Establishments SecurityCourts have ruled that hotels must take a reasonable and prudent approach to security.The toughest issue is balancing security with customer convenience and freedom of movement.

19Lodging and Hospitality Establishments Security Issues:Internal theftExternal theftVandalismFireVice

20Lodging and Hospitality Establishments Security Measures:Assign security responsibilities to employeesEnsure proper pool and fire safety procedures are followedConsider installing surveillance systems in pubic areas

21Office Building Security Concerns:After-hours burglaries and theftsTheft from one tenant by anotherTheft of servicesAssaultRapesAccess controlBomb threatsExecutive protection

22Office Building Security Steps:Post a receptionist or security personnel at a front deskInstall a CCTV systemRestrict access to residential areasRequire authorization and documentation of company asset useHave mail room supervised

23High Rise Security Post 9/11Elevators are required to open into a smoke-free vestibuleWider stairways to allow better flow of people down and emergency responders up simultaneouslyPractice evacuationsEstablish an emergency notification system for tenants