You don’t have to spend big bucks on the latest technology — taking a few simple steps can help deter potential offenders. It’s a great way to protect your business and keep you and any staff safe.
Retail crime includes petty theft, organised large-scale theft, assault, property damages, e-crime and credit card fraud. It costs New Zealand businesses an estimated one billion dollars in losses every year.
If you’ve been a target, you’ll know the costs can be high. There’s the cost of replacing stolen property and repairing any damage done. But there are other costs:
There are plenty of small things you can do to help deter thieves. Retail NZ and the New Zealand Police give the following advice:
If you have any incidents of crime in or around your shop, report it to the Police — even if the offenders are children.
Security and loss prevention at Christmas(external link) — Retail NZ
Take a walk through your shop and wider premises, and consider everything through the eyes of a potential offender. Check your doors, windows, grilles, locks and alarms are in good working order.
Tips from the Police include:
For further information, see prevention advice on the Police website:
Shop theft(external link) — NZ Police
Robbery(external link) — NZ Police
Aggressive customers(external link) — NZ Police
Protect your business(external link) — NZ Police
Can I name and shame people who steal from my shop?(external link) — Retail NZ
Offenders feel safer when people outside can’t see what’s going on inside.
Make sure everyone knows what to do:
Consider doing some scenario practice, or bring in an expert to run training sessions for you.
Have regular contact with other local businesses so you can share information about any issues or successes. A good way to do this is to set up a business support group. When you meet, you can invite speakers or arrange a training session together and share the cost.
Business support groups(external link) — NZ Police
Talk to the local Police crime prevention unit about other things you and any staff can do, and talk to your industry organisation, eg Retail NZ, about support and advice for managing crime.
Shoplifting and crime: How we can help(external link) — Retail NZ
0800 472 472 — Retail NZ advice services weekdays 9am—5pm