Retail security strategies to prevent break-ins before they happen

Retail theft is one of the leading causes of business owners’ stress and economic hardships. In retail security, the best way to deal with crime is to stop it from happening, which is why protecting your business should include proactive security measures.

In this article, we’ll dive into retail security challenges and look at modern security solutions and practical strategies for implementing a preventative security approach.

Understanding retail break-in risks

Retail theft and break-ins, such as shoplifting, vandalism, or burglaries, are a major concern for businesses. According to the National Retail Federation, the average number of shoplifting incidents per year increased by 93% from 2019 to 2023. This was accompanied by a 90% increase in dollar loss from those incidents.

To better respond to these security threats, retailers must be aware of vulnerable in-store areas and how criminals choose stores to target.

What do criminals target?

Criminals often target portable, high value goods and areas that are easy to access and have limited surveillance. In-store areas that are more susceptible to crime include:

• Exit and entry points: Unsupervised exits and entryways act as easy escape routes for thieves looking to snatch and grab merchandise.
• Unsupervised aisles or sections: Areas with little staff presence provide safe spots for shoplifters to steal from without being noticed.
• Storage rooms and stockrooms: Ambitious burglars target storage rooms that are filled with inventory and aren’t top of mind for staff.
• High-value displays: Thieves focus on items with high resale value, such as electronics and jewelry, especially if the display is unattended or poorly secured.
• Self-checkout areas: Theft abounds here, via any number of shoplifting tactics, including bar code swapping and fake scanning.
• Loading docks and delivery areas: Vulnerable delivery areas can become the site of large-scale theft if not properly secured.

Why do thieves target certain retail stores?

Some retailers are generally more at risk than others. Here are factors that make certain retail stores more attractive to burglary and vandalism:

• Weak security presence: Thieves take notice of a retailer’s overall security operation, including the quality and quantity of their security cameras, entryway protection, and the number of staff and security personnel.
• Large, heavily trafficked spaces: Crime can go undetected more easily in a busy store with heavy foot traffic, especially during peak hours.
• Unattended merchandise: Inventory left unattended for long periods, whether indoor or outdoor, empowers a burglar to steal, knowing there won’t be any immediate intervention or response.
• Small, independent stores: Small stores often have fewer resources for retail security, leaving them more vulnerable to criminal behavior.
• Busy, accessible locations: Stores located in accessible areas and on busy streets can be targeted because of the ease of escape for thieves who can make a quick getaway.

How alarms and surveillance cameras deter retail crime

Surveillance and alarm technology can help prevent retail crime in a few key ways:

Visible deterrence

The clear presence of cameras, sensors, and alarm infrastructure sends a strong warning to criminals—illegal activity will be detected and recorded. This dissuades many thieves from even attempting theft.

Fear of identification

Law enforcement can use security footage captured during a break-in or shoplifting event to identify and prosecute the perpetrator.

Control over physical space

Burglar alarms and access systems can be customized to protect vulnerable areas, such as storage rooms, by triggering an alarm response in the event of unauthorized activity.

Internal theft prevention

Internal theft is a serious concern for many retailers, and a strong surveillance system sends a clear message to staff that all activity throughout the store is being monitored.

Data collection and analytics

Modern cameras have advanced AI-enfused capabilities that allow powerful data to be collected and evaluated, leading to preventative measures such as facial recognition.

Security cameras are the most visible form of video surveillance systems, and can help enhance retail security. Cameras come with a range of features and capabilities, giving business owners plenty of options when looking for the best fit for their staff and location.

Retail business owners should look for these surveillance features when choosing a security system for their property:

• Image quality: Both HD and 4D provide high-quality, clear surveillance footage but 4D offers higher resolution for sharper, more detailed video
• Storage options: Depending on their access, retrieval, or other requirements, businesses can store footage on-site, in the cloud, or a combination of the two
• Mobile access: Retail business owners have the power and flexibility to monitor activity, access recorded video footage, trigger alarms, and adjust settings from anywhere via a mobile app
• Indoor vs outdoor: Cameras for outdoor spaces should have a different range of specs from indoor cameras, including durability, field-of-view, motion detection, night vision, low-light performance, and two-way audio
• Compatibility: Best-in-class retail security cameras are compatible with other security  systems, such as access control, burglar and fire alarms, or live monitoring

Smart security solutions for retail theft prevention

Historically, retail security solutions reacted once a crime was in progress or already done, leaving businesses to deal with the emotional stress, property damage, and financial fallout from the incident. Now, security technology includes advanced features for detecting and preventing retail crime.

Let’s look at how smart security tools can help solve traditional security challenges.

AI-powered cameras

Today’s retail security cameras are more powerful than ever. They feature high-definition image clarity and AI-enhanced motion detection that can analyze movement patterns and distinguish between harmless activity and true threats. They can also report instantly on crowd size or count inventory, and send alerts when suspicious activity and uncommon movement patterns emerge.

Speakers

Audio deterrence is a highly effective way of eliminating theft before it occurs. Remote or in-house security specialists can warn intruders via loudspeaker that they are on camera and the authorities are on their way.

Mobile security units

Monitored mobile units deter crime 24/7 with a unique combination of advanced security features built to protect a wide range of outdoor areas and retail spaces.

Virtual fences

Virtual fence technology creates an invisible perimeter around large, difficult-to-protect outdoor spaces and triggers an alarm if the area is breached.

Live monitoring

A service like live video monitoring prevents crime using a combination of real-time expert monitoring, 24/7 professional support, and proactive technology. Live video monitoring is a good option for retail business owners who prefer an aggressive approach to crime deterrence.

Hiring a retail security guard vs. technology-based solutions

Some retail businesses may need to hire additional security guards to help protect their stores.

Here are some of the benefits of combining human professionals with technology-based security:

Enhanced feeling of safety

Some people might notice a security camera, but everybody notices a security guard. The physical presence of a professional guard can put customers and staff at ease. It also creates a more obvious deterrent for would-be criminals.

Quick response

On-site guards can respond immediately to a security event, addressing the needs of staff and customers while law enforcement is en route.

Conflict resolution

A well-trained guard can help de-escalate tense situations and aggressive behavior that, if not handled properly, could spin out of control and impact store safety.

Mobility

Guards can monitor entry and exitways, but also easily check on storage rooms, under-staffed areas, and in difficult-to-see spaces.

Best practices for strengthening retail store security

Retailers should approach their security operations with a comprehensive strategy that can help ensure the safety of staff, property, and premises.

Step 1: Performing a risk assessment

A well-thought-out security system has to fit a retailer’s security needs. A risk assessment of a property can help clarify current retail security strengths, weaknesses, vulnerabilities, assets, and goals, along with a security budget.

Step 2: Installing high-quality surveillance systems

Modern video and surveillance technologies—and professional camera installation—can provide clear visual coverage over all high-priority areas inside and outside the stores.

Step 3: Investing in physical security measures

Bolstering video surveillance with appropriate physical security tools adds a layer of protection and security. Based on business needs and resources, retailers can invest in burglar alarms, access control systems, and in-person security agents.

Step 4: Optimizing performance through data analysis

It pays to continuously evaluate the entire security operation by utilizing the data and analytics security tools. Has the number of break-ins gone down? If not, why not? Retailers can then act on data to identify areas for improvement, streamline security processes, and boost operational efficiency.

Preventing retail break-ins with a proactive strategy

The best way to avoid the hassle and inconvenience of retail break-ins is to embrace a security approach focused on prevention. By prioritizing modern security tools and services designed to stop crime before it occurs, retailers can focus their time and energy on growing their business instead of reacting to security incidents.

For help implementing a proactive security plan, choose a security partner with experience and expertise in every area of commercial security systems.