1 Introduction to Security Chapter 16 Commercial Security

2 Retail Security Threats: Shoplifting Burglary Vandalism Passing bad checks Fraudulent credit cards Employee theft Robbery

3 Retail Security: What is the real threat? Statistics tell us that employee theft accounts for approximately 47% of inventory shrinkage Shoplifting remains the second leading cause of inventory shrinkage, accounting for approximately 32%

4 Retail Security : Shoplifting  Types of shoplifters: Amateurs  These can be anyone from a juvenile to a doctor; these people generally use what they steal  Account for the largest number of shoplifters Professionals  Those who steal to re-sell the merchandise

5 Retail Security: Shoplifting  Methods of Shoplifting Palming objects Dropping objects into a shopping bag, book bag or purse Placing items inside clothing Booster box Switching price tags

6 Retail Security: Shoplifting Indicators of Possible Shoplifting: Picking up and putting down items repeatedly (an effort to confuse a watcher) Frequently opening and closing a purse Continuously looking around Roaming with no apparent pattern Frequently using elevators, bathrooms, or other places that are difficult to watch

7 Retail Security: Shoplifting Indicators of Possible Shoplifting: Wearing bulky clothing in warm weather A coat over an arm An arm in a sling Carrying an umbrella, or many boxes or bags

8 Retail Security: Shoplifting Deterring Shoplifting Having an alert, trained sales force Floor walkers Uniformed security officers at entries and exits Anti-shoplifting merchandising Anti-theft devices Convex mirrors CCTV systems

9 Retail Security: Shoplifting Apprehending Shoplifters: It is critical to distinguish a thief from the absent-minded shopper who accidently walks out with something. Apprehend the shoplifter so that the merchandise can be recovered Make sure personnel have reasonable cause to detain a shoplifter (laws vary on this - check local statutes)

10 Retail Security: Shoplifting Prosecuting Shoplifters  Local statutes are going to be a large factor in the decision on whether or not to prosecute.

11 Retail Security: Shoplifting Establish company guidelines:  Samples: AGE: 12 and under – parents called and released to them 13 – 16 = juvenile offenders Past history Attitude Strength of case

12 Retail Security: Organized Retail Crime (ORC)  This involves professional thieves operating as a network who steal, repackage and resell stolen goods.  Most popular items are electronics, razor blades, liquor, OTC medicine, baby formula, health and beauty aids, and meat

13 Retail Security: Bad Checks and Credit/Debit Cards  To reduce losses: Teach employees to recognize telltale signs of fraudulent items Record relevant information on the back of all cashed checks Reconcile ID description with the user Require ID with all purchases other than cash

14 Retail Security: Other Issues  Many losses are caused by employees, either by mistake or sometimes even on purpose  Maintain strict pricing procedures so items are not marked wrongly  Watch cashiers to ensure they are ringing up every item at their register; often, cashiers will have a friend come through and only ring up certain items.

15 Retail Security: Other Issues  Returns & Refunds: establish return guidelines and be sure employees follow it  Be aware it is easier for employees to abuse the return/refund system than it is for customers.

16 Retail Security: Malls  Security at malls lags behind the rest of the retail sector for several reasons: Very little money is spent on it Training for mall security officers is inadequate Hiring standards have not changed Risk assessments are rare

17 Retail Security: Malls Suggestions:  Conduct a formal risk assessment  Curtail all access to air circulation systems  Use passive barriers to prevent cars loaded with explosives from accessing the mall  Develop and practice emergency response plans  Enhance partnerships with the local sector

18 Lodging and Hospitality Establishments Security  Courts have ruled that hotels must “take a reasonable and prudent approach” to security.  The toughest issue is balancing security with customer convenience and freedom of movement.

19 Lodging and Hospitality Establishments Security Issues:  Internal theft  External theft  Vandalism  Fire  Vice

20 Lodging and Hospitality Establishments Security Measures:  Assign security responsibilities to employees  Ensure proper pool and fire safety procedures are followed  Consider installing surveillance systems in pubic areas

21 Office Building Security Concerns:  After-hours burglaries and thefts  Theft from one tenant by another  Theft of services  Assault  Rapes  Access control  Bomb threats  Executive protection

22 Office Building Security Steps:  Post a receptionist or security personnel at a front desk  Install a CCTV system  Restrict access to residential areas  Require authorization and documentation of company asset use  Have mail room supervised

23 High Rise Security – Post 9/11  Elevators are required to open into a smoke-free vestibule  Wider stairways to allow better flow of people down and emergency responders up simultaneously  Practice evacuations  Establish an emergency notification system for tenants