By Jewelers Mutual® Group
1. Create a Culture of Security
Security isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing commitment. Fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness will help you protect your store, staff, and customers effectively.
- Conduct regular training on security protocols and emergency procedures to ensure everyone is prepared.
- Foster a security-conscious atmosphere where your team takes ownership of security and feels confident sharing any suspicious activity.
- Acknowledge and reward your team members who demonstrate exceptional attention to security to keep everyone motivated.
2. Fortify Your Existing Security Systems
Your alarm and camera systems are the backbone of your store’s security. Ensure these systems are fully operational and installed correctly. Regular maintenance and testing are critical to their effectiveness.
- Test alarms regularly to confirm they’re connected to monitoring services and functioning as intended.
- Review camera placements to ensure they cover all critical areas, such as entrances, display cases, and storage rooms.
- Verify recording capabilities to confirm cameras are capturing clear footage and storing it securely for later review if necessary.
3. Update Call Lists and Define Roles
Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities and who to contact. Quick, coordinated action is critical in a crisis.
- Keep your emergency contact list current.
- Define roles for all team members and assign specific responsibilities.
- Establish clear emergency procedures and conduct regular drills to ensure everyone is prepared.
4. Respond to All Alarms, Even on Nights and Weekends
Alarms should never be ignored, regardless of the time or day. Immediate action is essential:
- Always contact local law enforcement when an alarm signal is triggered, even if it’s a communication failure.
- Avoid entering the premises without law enforcement present. They will inspect the property and surrounding areas to ensure it’s safe to proceed.
5. Partner with Law Enforcement
Building a strong relationship with local law enforcement and mall security can enhance your store’s safety:
- Inform security personnel and law enforcement on the unique vulnerabilities and request increased surveillance and patrols.
- Invite them to tour your store to familiarize them with the layout, identify potential security risks, and better support you in case of an incident.
6. Build Relationships with Neighboring Businesses and Security Teams
A collaborative approach to security can benefit everyone in your immediate vicinity:
- Strengthen relationships with neighboring businesses and local or mall security teams.
- Share information about suspicious activity to foster a vigilant community prepared to respond to threats collectively.
Vigilance Is Key to Prevention
Even with robust systems and procedures, human vigilance remains a critical layer of defense. Train your staff to recognize and report unusual activity, such as:
- Individuals loitering near the store or acting nervously.
- Suspicious vehicles, especially those with out-of-state or temporary tags, parked nearby for extended periods.
- Unusual construction work in or near the store.
- People walking around with earpieces, possibly coordinating a group.
- Individuals carrying devices or cases with antennas that might disrupt communications.
Encourage staff to trust their instincts and report any concerns immediately. A quick response to potential threats can prevent incidents before they occur.
The Time Is Now for Robust, Preventive Action
A well-secured jewelry business is not only a deterrent to criminals but also a reassurance to your team and customers that their safety is your top priority. A robust security plan will help you stay prepared to handle any challenges that come your way.
Contact the expert Asset Protection team at Jewelers Mutual® Group at [email protected] with any questions about your specific store security needs.
