How Do I Keep My Retail Business Secure At Night?

Retail business owners know how challenging it can be to keep their storefronts secure at night. While petty theft is more likely to occur during business hours, vandalism and smash-and-grab crimes are most common outside of business hours. These thefts can be incredibly financially damaging. The NFR estimates that organized retail crimes cost businesses 7 cents for every $100, on average. To be proactive against retail crime, and to maintain peace of mind, it’s vital to have a comprehensive overnight retail security strategy in place.

In this blog, we will discuss solutions and best practices that business owners can implement to maximize their overnight retail security strategy. 

Mobile Patrol Security For Retail Businesses

At Blackbird Security, many of our mobile patrol security clients are retail businesses. Mobile security services have emerged as a proactive solution to fortify nighttime protection. By adding an extra layer of security outside of business hours, mobile patrols can be vital in mitigating security incidents. 

Mobile security patrols involve trained security personnel patrolling the perimeter and surrounding areas of your retail space at randomized intervals. This dynamic approach not only deters potential intruders but also ensures a swift response to any emerging security incidents. 

The presence of a marked security vehicle can act as a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message that a retail business is actively protected. Blackbird Security’s mobile patrol vehicles are equipped with flashing overhead lights, which effectively scare off perpetrators committing in-progress crimes. 

Mobile patrol guards can perform a range of duties, from monitoring CCTV cameras, to checking alarm system functionality, to conducting thorough inspections of doors, windows, and other vulnerable points. Blackbird’s mobile security guards will write detailed reports of their nightly findings and security incidents as they emerge, giving our clients full transparency into the security of their stores. 

In the event of an alarm activation, Blackbird Security’s 24/7 Control Centre team will be instantly alerted and respond by deploying a nearby mobile security guard. Once at the site, the security guard will take steps to mitigate risks. This ensures that your store is protected by a security professional, no matter the time of day. 

Mobile patrol security is incredibly cost-effective without compromising on the quality of service. Since mobile patrol guards are not constantly present at a store, they are more efficient than stationary uniformed guards. This saves on the fees of hiring an overnight security guard while ensuring your business has protection when it needs it. 

Blackbird Security provides mobile security services across Canada, with large and growing fleets in Greater Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, Regina, the Greater Toronto Area, and Edmonton. 

Having a security professional on call at all hours of the day and night provides security coverage in a cost-effective package, providing an invaluable benefit to retail business owners. Consider integrating mobile patrol security into your overall retail security strategy.

Access Point Security And Employee Training

Focus on securing all entry points, including doors, windows, and loading docks. Reinforce doors with quality locks, and consider installing security bars or shutters over windows and doors for added protection. Windows should be made of tempered glass or reinforced with security film to prevent smash-and-grab thefts.

Educate your staff on security protocols and emphasize the importance of diligence in securing the premises at the end of each day. Implement strict closing procedures that include thorough checks of all entry points, ensuring that no doors or windows are left unlocked. Encourage employees to report any suspicious activities or individuals and have a system in place for receiving and investigating employee reports. 

Boost Security With Lighting

Well-lit exteriors can significantly reduce the risk of criminal activity. Ensure that the perimeter of your retail space and property is well-lit, including parking lots and alleys. Bright lighting not only discourages potential burglars but also provides clear visibility for CCTV cameras to capture high-quality footage. 

Alarm Systems and Monitoring

Install a reliable alarm system that includes sensors for doors, windows, and motion detection. Pairing your alarm system with an emergency response service, such as Blackbird Security’s mobile patrol services, is vital in ensuring the security of your site. An alarm system not only alerts business owners to potential security breaches but also security personnel who can minimize theft and incidents at the scene within seconds. 

Hire An Overnight Uniformed Security Guard

When vagrancy and vandalism prove to be too great of an issue, or for clients whose store inventory is highly valuable - such as high-end retailers, hiring an overnight uniformed security guard is the safest option in ensuring the protection of assets and property. 

An on-site security guard ensures that any security threats are addressed instantly. Additionally, the mere presence of a security guard acts as a strong deterrent for potential thieves and vagrants. Static security guards can be stationed at the most problematic exterior locations, or patrol around the perimeter of the store outside of business hours. 

Partner With Canada’s Best Retail Security Company

Ultimately, unmanned security measures can only go so far in effectively and proactively protecting businesses, which is what makes mobile security such an incredible option. Its low price tag returns dividends in protected assets, inventory, property, and peace of mind, making it the clear best solution for retail businesses looking to provide cost-effective security for their storefronts. 

At Blackbird Security, we regularly witness the vital role mobile patrols play in fortifying nighttime protection. Integrated into an overall security strategy, mobile patrols enhance a retail business's ability to prevent and address security breaches.

Investing in advanced security measures extends beyond merely safeguarding against potential losses; it signifies a dedicated commitment to the long-term success and sustainability of your business. By adopting a multi-faceted approach to security, retail business owners can confidently maintain peace of mind knowing that their storefronts are protected against nighttime challenges.

In addition to retail security, we provide services in the following industries:

• Mobile Patrol Security
• Construction Security
• Uniformed Security
• Elite Suit & Tie Security
• Executive Protection
• Office & Facilities Security
• Government Security
• Event Security
• Shopping Mall Security
• Front Gate Security
• Factory Security
• Shipyard Security
• Transportation Security
• Overnight Security
• Logistic Security
• Warehouse Security
• Hotel Security

Take the first step in keeping your business protected overnight by contacting us at the form below.