AUTUMN 2018 BUSINESS SECURITY Rise above the crowds The long dark nights of winter and busy seasonal shopping centres can be a boon for criminals so make sure your business is prepared As winter approaches, businesses can look forward to dealing with the many issues that arise from adverse weather conditions and sta sickness. Those involved in retail, however, may also come under threat from the very thing they crave an increase in customers! So now is the time to take simple steps to protect your business from the problems associated with crowds. It is worth taking a step back and viewing your business and premises as a potential criminal might. Look for any weaknesses that could be exploited and aim to enhance protection for your business in the following ways. Sta awareness/training: Well-trained, vigilant employees are one of the best ways of combating shoplifting. Ensure they are alert to potential risks and that they know what to do if they spot something that needs attention. It is crucial, however, that they are trained not to put themselves at risk. Early warning system: Have a bell by the till and set up a warning system such as two rings if sta think something suspicious is going on. Have a bell by the till and set up a warning system such as two rings if sta think something suspicious is going on Surveillance: Sta should be able to see across the shop floor and watch customers entering and leaving the premises. Exits: Ensure you have a single, controlled exit point; the more exits you have, the more risk it poses. Employing seasonal workers: Check references carefully before taking on sta over the busy, seasonal period. Deterrents: Think about how easy it would be for a shoplifter to take items unobserved and then look at the tools you could install to prevent this, such as mirrors and cameras. Signage: Display large Shoplifters will be prosecuted signs in prominent positions to act as a deterrent. Vulnerable/desirable stock: Move your display close to the till point, where it is most visible to sta. If you supply expensive clothing, try crisscrossing the hangers on the rail to make it dicult for a thief to grab a big supply and run o. Use dummy display goods for high-risk items. Hiding places: Think about the things people may bring into shops with them bags, pushchairs, umbrellas in which they could hide goods. Make eye contact: If you suspect somebody in the store, make yourself busy near them. Smile, make eye contact and use other sales techniques this can be an eective deterrent. Distraction thefts: Some shoplifters work in groups and use distraction for example, complaining loudly or asking to see the manager so that others can operate more freely. Operate a ban system: Ban persistent oenders from entering your premises. CCTV: If you have CCTV fitted, test it regularly to ensure it is working properly and that you are able to provide as much evidence as possible to the police should your business be targeted by criminals. Credit: Karen Woolley, development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses Images: iStock.com / AleksandarNakic Card fraud: Trust your instincts! When retail premises are busier than usual, card fraudsters may feel more confident that their activity wont be noticed. Take the time to double check and ask for ID. If you do experience an incident of card fraud, report it to Action Fraud immediately on 0300 123 2040. BOX CLEVER TO SURVIVE A DISASTER Disruption to your business because of severe weather or flu epidemics may be a seasonal problem, but a worst-case scenario incident could happen at any time. one in 10 of these ceases trading but businesses are far more likely to survive if they have thought about risks in advance and planned accordingly. Could your firm survive for any length of time if it was hit by flooding, fire, loss of utilities, evacuation or prolonged sta absence? If the answer to this question is no, you need to start thinking about building your Business Battle Box. More and more lenders are asking for evidence that business owners have thought about a continuity plan when trying to access finance, so this should form part of your general business plan. Every year, one in five businesses suers a major disruption, and Preparing a continuity plan neednt be onerous or time-consuming. To find out what you need to consider, see TSBN Winter 2017. Your local authority website will also carry advice and information on emergency planning, and you can check the risks to your premises from flooding and other weather-related conditions with the Environment Agency. To discuss emergency planning and business continuity issues further, contact Karen Woolley on 07917 628923 or via email. Take time to put in place some very easy measures to ensure the hard work you put into your business every day is protected. For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service