With shoplifting up, 21% in 2022, Peter Jackson, managing director of Jacksons Fencing explores how retail businesses can better protect their premises from opportunistic thieves. We think of shoplifting as people walking out of a store, pockets bulging with unpaid-for goods.
However, in town centres and retail parks, the rear doors of shops and delivery areas can be an opportunity for theft on a much grander scale.
Thefts and break-ins
It’s not uncommon for thefts to be perpetrated from pallets or cages that have been unloaded off lorries and are waiting to be moved into the building. After-hours break-ins are a risk for all store owners, particularly over the festive season when a lot of high-value stock has been delivered to shops and supermarkets, ready for sale.
Unfortunately, some retail locations can also attract anti-social behaviour. For instance, in Derby, an Aldi supermarket invested in security fencing to protect staff and deter groups from hanging around outside the store, leaving litter, and disturbing the peace.
Addressing security compromise
At the time the additional fencing was seen as an “essential measure” to protect the community
The supermarket chain said, “dangerous and disturbing” items were often found outside the store, including weapons and hypodermic needles. Aldi bosses said at the time that the additional fencing was seen as an “essential measure” to protect the community.
At locations like this all over the country, if security is compromised, there can be disruption to business, property damage, and even harm to staff and customers. So how can physical security solutions such as fencing and gates help better protect retail establishments such as supermarkets and edge-of-town retail park shops, as we head into the festive season?
Taking practical steps to stop theft and damage of retail property
Different levels of security will be required for different parts of a retail site. Start by establishing potential weak spots and ensure they’re protected. Identifying the areas most likely to be targeted allows for ‘target hardening’, where physical security gets ‘harder’ the closer to the target it gets.
Perimeter security
Effective perimeter security for these sites should be specified in line with the potential threats, the site itself, and its topography.
One of the key challenges when establishing security fencing for retail sites is deterring intruders while making access easy for customers and staff. What’s needed is fencing that isn’t too austere in appearance, but does a good job of shielding external parts of the site from harm and intrusion.
Sliding gates, noise-reducing barriers
Measures should e taken to reduce noise pollution in surrounding areas, and control access during times
Supermarkets, in particular, represent the end of the supply chain and need to be protected from theft. Measures should also be taken to reduce noise pollution in surrounding areas, and control access during times when the shop is closed to the general public, but delivery vehicles still need to be on the site.
One solution is to install sliding gates and noise-reducing acoustic barriers around supermarket delivery areas.
Timber fencing, traffic barrier
Another challenge is minimising the attention drawn to a site with potentially high-value stock inside. Security fencing can sometimes make a site more of a target and attract unwanted attention. If the site is close to residential areas, it’s also important to avoid an imposing presence that may negatively impact its surroundings, and put people on edge.
Adding timber fencing and a traffic barrier to car parks can make the site secure while still inviting shoppers while delaying any quick vehicle getaways in the event of shoplifting. Slowing traffic in car parks also helps to keep pedestrians safe.
The importance of an integrated approach to security
There is no single solution when it comes to securing a building, be it a shop, a factory, or a place of worship. Every situation must be considered individually, starting with a full risk assessment.
We recommend an integrated approach to retail property security where appropriate. Along with a secure perimeter, this might also include effective lighting in shaded areas and at doors, gates, and shop windows, Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS), and well-placed CCTV. These measures can hinder entry and escape, or increase the chance of discovery and detection.
Property assessment
Commercial properties, including shops and supermarkets, have become increasingly vulnerable
While domestic burglaries have become less attractive as many of our homes are occupied around the clock, commercial properties, including shops and supermarkets, have become increasingly more vulnerable. UK law enforcement teams are stretched to capacity.
Therefore, it has never been so important for retail building owners and facilities managers to assess the properties they’re responsible for to ensure they’re protected effectively in the event of a burglary or criminal damage.
Tested and certified products
When specifying security products for retail sites, it is good practice to use products tested and certified to a security level.
Every element should be tested and certified to risk-appropriate industry standards for a specific purpose and sourced from ISO 9001:2015 accredited manufacturers.
Retail crime on the up
Usdaw, the retail workers’ union, has reported that shoplifting is up 21% this year, citing the cost of living crisis as the main reason for the rise.
While more help from the Government to support retail workers and the businesses shoplifters target is certainly needed, boosting practical security measures can go a long way to deterring these kinds of crimes in the first place.
On-site security
The right fencing, supported with CCTV, good lighting, and guarding, can dramatically improve security for a wide range of retail sites, from e-commerce warehouses right through to supermarkets, and everything in-between.
With all sectors preparing to ride the rapids of recession in the coming year, improving on-site security is one surefire way to protect your business, and your people, from harm.
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