Securing Electronics from Theft
There are some products that are simply more popular targets when it comes to theft. These items often have several things in common:
- They are often small enough to easily be carried away by criminals.
- They typically are in-demand items that many people want to own.
- They are difficult to trace once they have been stolen.
- They can easily be resold on the black market.
Small electronics (such as cell phones, music players, tablets, laptops, and other such devices) meet all of these conditions. Therefore, it’s easy to see why they are commonly targeted by criminals.
Mobile phones and other small electronics are ubiquitous in modern society. Unfortunately, this increases their value for criminals. These devices are frequent targets in robberies, break-ins, shoplifting attempts and many other crimes.
Retailers that sell mobile phones and other such devices need to understand these facts and take steps to ensure that their products are protected.
Mobile Phone Stores and Smash and Grab Robberies
Mobile phone stores and electronics stores are commonly attacked by smash and grab criminals. In these crimes, criminals use force to break through doors and windows and steal the items that they are looking for quickly. Speed is key in these crimes. Criminals know that even if a property is protected by an alarm system, it will take some time for the authorities to arrive.
In order to protect your property from smash and grab robberies, it’s important that you utilize physical security tools such as security gates. As mentioned, criminals are aware of alarm systems, but they also know that they can leave the scene before they are caught. They also often wear masks, hoods or scarves to make it difficult to identify them on security camera footage.
However, physical security gates make it much more difficult and significantly more time-consuming to gain access to a property. Most criminals do not have the tools required to damage security gates. Smash and grab robbers typically work with hammers, baseball bats, bricks and other such items. Criminals also do not have the time or patience required to tamper with security gates, even if they somehow could. Remember, smash and grab robberies succeed because of their speed. If you slow a criminal down considerably, you greatly increase the chances of him or her being caught in the act.
For this reason, many criminals avoid properties that have security gates installed.
Shoplifting from Cell Phone Stores & Electronics Stores
Stores that sell small electronics are also common targets for shoplifters. This is because many electronics are small enough to be stashed in a bag or coat pocket long enough for the criminal to escape.
Protect your property and your merchandise by securing valuables in locked cabinets, behind security gates or inside secured stock rooms. Make it so that customers need to ask store staff in order to have an item removed from a locked cabinet. Don’t store additional stock in unlocked drawers that are accessible by customers. There have been cases of criminals walking to an electronics store, opening a drawer and simply walking out with a cell phone or tablet. Don’t let this happen at your store.
By putting a physical barrier between valuable electronics and potential shoplifters, you can greatly reduce theft.
We have some more helpful tips to improving the security of your business. Download our helpful guide to Improving Your Security Mindset.
