The rise in shoplifting, thefts, and general crime rates across Canada continues to make security a critical concern for businesses in 2025. With organized retail crime growing increasingly common over the last year, businesses need a robust retail security strategy and a professional security presence now more than ever. This blog will explore the essential security measures retailers should implement to protect their inventory, staff, and customers throughout 2025.
Uniformed Security Guards
Uniformed security guards provide a visible deterrent that helps prevent theft while creating a safe shopping environment for customers. These guards maintain a professional and friendly presence at store entrances, greeting customers and monitoring for suspicious behaviour.
During their shifts, uniformed security guards conduct regular store patrols, monitoring key areas, high-value merchandise, and the store floor. They also assist with crowd control during busy periods, such as Black Friday, and respond swiftly to emergencies that require immediate attention. The presence of a uniformed security guard signals to potential thieves that the store is well protected while reassuring legitimate customers that help is nearby if needed.
Loss Prevention Operatives (LPOs)
While uniformed security creates a visible deterrent, loss prevention operatives (LPOs) work undercover to prevent theft through discrete observance. These security professionals wear ordinary clothing and blend in with shoppers, allowing them to gain a unique up-close view of potential crimes in action. Some of the common signs of theft LPOs monitor for include:
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Price tag switching
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Concealment of merchandise
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Organized retail crime teams
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Suspicious behavior patterns
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Point-of-sale fraud
If an LPO witnesses any of the above indicators, they will closely monitor the subject until they have gathered sufficient evidence to confront the individual, escort them to the store’s back area, record their identification details for reporting, and possibly contact the police, depending on the value of the goods stolen or previous in-store records. LPOs conduct this process with assistance from other security personnel within the store, who collaborate to ensure that the subject remains cooperative and to maintain the safety of shoppers and staff.
Tactical Security Guards
Tactical security guards provide an elevated level of protection for locations experiencing higher incident rates or increased organized retail crime. Blackbird Security’s tactical guards receive specialized training in the use of force and peaceful de-escalation techniques through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy. This allows them to manage confrontational situations while protecting staff and customers safely.
Mobile Security Patrols
Mobile security patrols offer a flexible security solution during closed hours when retail locations are most vulnerable to break-ins. Driving marked security vehicles between sites, these security guards conduct randomized patrols that prevent criminals from identifying patterns in security coverage. Should an alarm be triggered at a store protected by Blackbird Security, our 24/7 Control Centre team dispatches the nearest mobile unit to respond. This provides comprehensive protection against after-hours burglaries and peace of mind knowing your store is protected.
The Blackbird Difference: Retail Security
At Blackbird Security, our guards receive comprehensive training beyond the standard security training required to obtain a security guard license through Blackbird Academy. This training takes them through several courses that equip them with essential skills, including:
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Customer Service Excellence
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Peaceful De-Escalation Training
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Introduction to Canadian Criminal Law
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Report Writing
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Standard First Aid
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Fire Safety Training
Our teams utilize TrackTik, the industry-standard centralized security reporting software. TrackTik helps our team identify incident patterns and enables proactive security strategies, allowing our clients and leadership teams to maintain real-time oversight of all security activities.
Partner With Canada's Leading Retail Security Provider
Protecting your store’s safety and security should be a top priority and not left up to chance. Invest in a high-quality security service and protect your brand, inventory, employees, and customers. Our security professionals have years of experience safeguarding prominent retail locations across Canada, including Sephora, MEC, Best Buy, and many more. Use the form below to contact us to learn how we can enhance your retail security strategy for 2025 and beyond.
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