Fidelity ADT has issued a warning to all business owners to be on high alert, particularly retail clothing businesses. Kimberly has seen a spike in shoplifting incidents.

Opportunistic criminals are targeting businesses during the retail hours where there are vulnerabilities, such as no CCTV or security personnel at the store entrance.

Charnel Hattingh Group Head of Marketing & Communications says, “We are seeing an increase in shoplifting cases, suspects enter the store pretending to shop, then grab items and flee.

Business owners need to be vigilant, make sure their CCTV is working and remain vigilant for any suspicious activity. We recommend at least two staff members must always carry hidden panic buttons. Visitors to these outlets must also be especially vigilant. Generally, the suspects are after easy pickings, clothing & shoes and not out to rob the customers, but it is still a high alert situation”

She provides the following tips and precautions:

• Controlled entrances are important in preventing over-crowding in your premises, make sure you have measures in place to restrict movement at entrances and exits to your business, for both staff and customers.
• Implementing solutions that assist you in doing this could dramatically reduce shrinkage in your business.
• Be alert during opening and closing times. Always work in pairs to prevent being surprised or being overpowered by criminals. Train your staff to ask for identification before allowing entry to the premises.
• Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks. If you use padlocks, they should be made of steel and kept locked at all times. Remember to remove serial numbers from your locks, to prevent unauthorised keys from being duplicated.
• Windows should have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass. Consider installing metal grates on all your windows except display windows.
• Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, skylights, or other entry points. Consider installing covers over exterior lights and power sources to deter tampering.
• Always use the services of a reputable company when selecting security guards. Always rotate security guards and insist that they are vetted on a regular basis
• Keep your cash register in plain view from the outside of your business, so it can be monitored by police during the day or at night. Leave it open and empty after closing.
• Be sure your safe is fireproof and securely anchored. Remember to change your security password when an employee who has had access to it leaves your business.
• Always invest in an alarm, CCTV and an electronic article surveillance system that meets your level of security needs. Learn how to use your system properly and check the system daily. It is advisable to run a test when closing.
• Most importantly is the updating of your key holders before closing your business for any holiday season. Make sure that all the relevant information is updated should we need to contact you or the person in charge.

We recommend that business owners in these high-risk areas consult their security provides to do a full risk assessment to ensure the premises and staff are fully protected against this type of crime,” concludes Hattingh.