Retail Security & Loss Prevention: Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Many business owners in Canada don’t realize that losses from retail theft average $3.6 billion per year nationwide. For the average retailer, this loss due to theft accumulates gradually over the year, often unseen. This is why it's vital for retailers to stay informed about the benefits of loss prevention services and retail security.
Blackbird Security's trained and experienced loss prevention team enables us to maintain our position as Canada's number one choice for retail security. We’re trusted by major international brands, including H&M, Holt Renfrew, UNIQLO, Best Buy, Sephora. Today, we’re covering the questions we receive most often from prospective clients around retail security and how Blackbird Security can protect your business.
What is Loss Prevention?
Loss prevention is an element of retail security focusing on minimizing theft, shrinkage, and other forms of loss. This practice helps retain company profits while ensuring a safe and secure environment for employees and shoppers. On-site loss prevention security is the most effective way for retail businesses to save money and reduce shrinkage.
What is a Loss Prevention Operative (LPO)?
A loss prevention operative (LPO) is typically an undercover retail security professional who is expertly trained to identify theft, recover stolen items, and discreetly make arrests. LPOs roam the store floor, keeping a watchful eye out for any theft being committed by shoppers and, in some cases, employees.
LPOs aren’t the only type of retail security guards, however. Here’s a brief overview:
Standard security guards are a store’s first line of defence. Their uniforms and professional presence communicate to potential criminals that the store is well-protected, while providing a safe atmosphere for legitimate customers. These guards are often stationed at store entrances, but may also conduct foot patrols.
Tactical security guards provide enhanced protection for retail locations experiencing elevated security risks. Wearing specialized uniforms, including tactical vests and equipment, the presence of tactical guards serves as a strong deterrent to criminals, including organized retail crime groups. Tactical guards undergo advanced training.
Suit and tie security guards provide an elevated level of protection for high-end businesses and boutiques. As their title suggests, these security guards wear suits, rather than standard security guard uniforms, to enhance a store’s shopping environment.
Does My Store Need Retail Security?
Yes. While your store may or may not require an LPO or a retail security guard, it is still best practice to install CCTV cameras, alarms, and develop a comprehensive retail security strategy to minimize losses.
When Should I Invest in Retail Security Guards?
If you notice an increase in theft or shrinkage, or if your staff are reporting an increased number of altercations with customers, you should invest in retail security to secure your store and keep your staff and shoppers safe. Additionally, if you are approaching a busy sales period, such as Black Friday, or if your store will be carrying new, expensive merchandise in the near future, you should consider retail security to provide support for your staff.
Does My Store Need Both CCTV Cameras and Security Guards?
While CCTV cameras and security guards each provide valuable protection for retail stores, the best security strategies combine both. A comprehensive retail security approach that combines CCTV with a physical security presence will provide the most proactive protection for your store.
CCTV cameras continuously monitor retail spaces, aisles, access points, back rooms, and other key areas, creating a video record of all activity within their line of sight. The presence of CCTV cameras may help deter criminal behaviour, as potential thieves may reconsider committing a crime when they know they are being recorded.
However, CCTV is primarily a reactive method of protection. This means their primary purpose is to respond to incidents that have already occurred, rather than prevent them from happening. Typically, businesses use CCTV footage when making an insurance claim for stolen inventory or present footage to the police for investigation if needed. CCTV cameras do not stop criminals directly, even if you have a clear image of the thief’s appearance.
What Advanced Training Do Tactical Security Guards Receive?
Blackbird Security’s tactical security guards undergo advanced training in the use of force through Blackbird Academy. This training provides them with physical intervention and peaceful de-escalation techniques, allowing them to handle aggressive and dangerous situations professionally and safely.
Should I Choose Uniformed or Elite Suit and Tie Security Guards?
A security guard in uniform visually communicates that a store is well-protected, which can be an advantage in high-crime areas or in stores that experience a large volume of theft. Elite suit-and-tie security guards, on the other hand, can reinforce your brand, create a positive first impression for your valuable clientele, and typically provide an increased level of customer service.
Should I Choose Uniformed Security Guards or Undercover LPOs?
Undercover LPOs are an advantage, as shoplifters are far less likely to be aware of their presence compared to security guards in uniform. The latter, however, help to deter criminals before they enter the store and create a feeling of safety for legitimate shoppers.
Ideally, large stores should utilize both undercover LPOs and standard security guards for a strategic, multi-pronged approach that covers ever angle of retail security. If your store is falling victim to serial theft, or organized theft, this combination is highly effective at slowing down and ultimately stopping the problem.
Do Retail Security Guards Keep Employees Safe?
Yes. Along with protecting a store’s merchandise, the primary goal of a retail security guard is to ensure the safety of shoppers and employees. At Blackbird Security, our retail security guards receive training in peaceful de-escalation and conflict resolution to safely protect your store’s occupants.
How Many Retail Security Guards Does My Store Need?
The number of security guards needed for a given retail environment depends on the type of store, its size, the crime rate of the area where it’s located, the level of activity your store sees, its hours of operation, and the value of its merchandise.
Partner With Blackbird Security for Retail Loss Prevention Services
Partnering with an experienced retail security team, such as Blackbird Security, will keep your assets safe and ensure the safety of your employees and customers. We specialize in every aspect of retail security, from undercover loss prevention to specialized services, including tactical security and elite suit-and-tie security. Retail partners across Canada trust us to deliver top-quality loss prevention and asset protection services, keeping theft at bay and ensuring customer satisfaction.
For comprehensive and tailored answers to any of the questions covered here, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Let us know about the type of store you’re seeking retail security for, and we’ll provide a detailed quote.
In addition to retail security, we provide services in the following areas:
