How to Avoid Petty Theft in Your Establishment

How to Avoid Petty Theft in Your Establishment
Last Updated: December 22, 2016

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Petty theft is a crime which plagues business owners everywhere; but with the right tools in place, you can catch crooks before they get away.

An individual charged with petty theft, sometimes called petit theft, can suffer a series of consequences ranging from monetary fines all the way up to jail time. The severity of punishment has a great deal to do with the individual’s prior criminal history and the merchandise stolen. While the justice system is effective at prosecuting those who commit offenses, it’s often easier to avoid to courts altogether and instead implement the proper security features to create a deterrent.

In this article, we’ll explain:

  • Which security devices work best to deter theft
  • How to educate employees on the risks
  • Other ways to identify theft before it occurs

Education is the Best Prevention

Education, in many aspects of life, is the best way to prevent unforeseen circumstances. With that, however, comes a level of necessary communication. As the business owner, make your employees aware of any past instances of larceny or theft and how those crimes were carried out. By doing so, you give new employees a better indication of what to look out for or possibly who to look out for if the crime has been committed by a repeating party.

There should be specified policies in place for addressing an individual who has taken or is suspected of theft. In some scenarios it can be hard to keep track of incoming and outgoing traffic. When that’s the case, it helps tremendously to have security devices in and around the store.

Surveillance Devices Discourage Crime

Crime research and data has proven the efficacy of surveillance devices in deterring theft. Convex mirrors are one affordable alternative to more high-end security cameras. With convex mirrors, store clerks and employees can keep close tabs on potential threats from almost anywhere in the facility. There are a number of convex mirrors to choose from, depending on the layout and structure of the facility. For larger spaces, a store owner may choose to go with a 360 degree convex mirror like this Panoramic Dome. The toughened acrylic face is resistant to low impacts and provides all-around vision without any distortion. What’s more, it can be hung from the ceiling with the additional chain set if there’s no suitable area for mounting.

Advance Your Store’s Security with Cameras

Another option to implement in conjunction with a convex mirror is a security camera. Sometimes, we need additional security features in place in case a theft does occur. Say, for example, a criminal was able to steal merchandise or worse yet pull out a concealed weapon and threaten an employee. If they managed to get away, officers could replay the tape and better identify the culprit. Moreover, the surveillance footage can be used to better educate employees on the proper responses in these types of emergency scenarios.

Decoy security cameras are another viable alternative if your budget is limited. All of the aforementioned techniques can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft in your establishment. Remember to communicate with employees about effective policies, purchase the necessary security equipment, and stay up-to-date with the crime happenings in your area.