User Manual

3
“Multi-layered” approach to security
Adopting common sense procedures –
such as locking stockrooms and limiting
staff and customer access during stock
takes – is fundamental to a more secure
retail environment. Through training,
staff should be encouraged to remain ob-
servant and to be on the lookout for sus-
picious or unusual behaviour. Once these
kind of basic practices are put into place,
electronic systems are the effective final
layer of security – both during and out-
side opening hours.
Clamp down on shoplifting
In any attempt to reduce shoplifting, pro-
viding an active deterrent is a key objec-
tive. This can be achieved by a combina-
tion of article tagging and the overt
positioning of video surveillance cam-
eras. And, when thieves are not deterred,
the latest video systems from Siemens
will ensure that clear, visual evidence is
recorded, easily retrieved and readily
available to support any prosecution. The
installation of access control for offices,
stockrooms and other sensitive areas will
also limit the opportunity for thieving.
Reduce employee theft opportunities
It is estimated that 35%
(1)
of retail theft is
committed by employees. This involves
activities that range from the removal of
stock from displays to dishonest handling
of cash and fraudulent till manipulation.
Again, a combination of Siemens’ fixed
video cameras linked to digital recording
equipment, POS systems and access con-
trol of critical locations will provide an
effective deterrent to staff who may be
Highlights
Better overall security leads to an im-
proved retail experience for customers
Electronic security systems can also
contribute to an improvement in
Health & Safety performance
Use electronic security measures –
combined with common sense prac-
tices – to deliver increased protection
for assets, staff and premises
Reduce shrinkage by reducing the
opportunity for theft
Protect cash with physical restrictions
and interoperable access control and
video surveillance systems
Improve out-of-hours security with
interoperable video surveillance/record-
ing
and intruder detection systems
tempted. It also provides irrefutable
evidence if they succumb to temptation
anyway.
Protect cash
The handling of cash is a major issue with-
in the retail industry. It provides a con-
stant temptation not only for employees
regularly handling small amounts, but
also for serious criminals wherever sub-
stantial takings start to accumulate. Again
video surveillance and alarm systems,
fitted with panic buttons to summon the
police, have a proven deterrent effect.
Tighten out-of-hours security
Much vandalism and theft – and most
break-ins – occur under the cover of
darkness, outside normal working hours.
Implementing overt electronic systems
will help deter offenders and implement-
ing covert ones will help identify, appre-
hend and successfully prosecute them.
Siemens’ access control, intruder detec-
tion and video surveillance systems are
flexible enough to cater for differing lev-
els of security during and after opening
times. Times of greater vulnerability such
as evenings, weekends and public holidays
can be designated as needing greater
security and alarms set to trigger video
recording equipment or locking doors.
Improve customer service
By relieving them of routine security pro-
cedures, the implementation of electron-
ic security measures gives staff more
time for customers. So with a safer, im-
proved service, the likelihood of repeat
business is greatly enhanced.
Retail security: good for staff, good for
customers and great for profitability
Reduce Health & Safety risks
Using access control systems to restrict
entry to certain areas such as warehouses,
stockrooms etc., also can ensure that
only personnel trained in Health & Safety
(H&S) policies are allowed to proceed.
This should reduce the number of acci-
dents in the workplace.
Security – all around improvement
Improved security is the key to a safer re-
tail environment for customers and staff,
but it also brings a measurable return on
investment – with fewer losses, and im-
proved customer and staff retention.
(1)
Global Retail Theft Barometer 2007.