This no escaping the fact that retail premises such as footwear stores are, undoubtedly attractive to the criminally inclined, writes the National Security Inspectorate's Marketing Manager, Julian Stanton.
Whether you are a large department store, cornershop or footwear store, all face the daily threat from shoplifters, intruders and even light-fingered staff and all require an appropriate security solution to address this growing problem. Here are a few simple steps to help you choose the right solution to protect your business, as well as adhere to the requirements of your insurance company.
1. Identify your requirements:
It is vital to carefully identify your security needs and get these correct in the first instance. It is worth seeking independent advice from your local Police crime prevention officer, insurer, or if you are a larger retailer it might be worthwhile employing a security consultant if you do not have internal security expertise.
Electronic security systems are essential for all retail premises and should include an intruder alarm system (normally a requirement for insurance cover) and probably CCTV both internally and externally. A good installer will carry out a full risk assessment prior to installation, in line with agreed industry standards, confirming your exact requirements. They will be able to recommend the grade of system, design and installation to give the appropriate level of protection against the identified risks.
2. Identify what you require from your security systems:
Intruder Alarms - For most premises, it is essential to receive an urgent police response to an alarm activation, this requires a monitored system installed by an inspectorate-approved installer, such as those approved by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). Your insurance company will also have an interest in a high-quality, fit-for-purpose alarm and will normally specify the type of system necessary. Alarms that operate sounders are normally only acceptable in the lowest risk environment as they will not achieve Police attendance other than through a 999 call from a member of the public.
Fit-for-purpose is the critical measure for choosing electronic security solutions. A good installer will be able to recommend and install a system to limit the chance of false activations. The Police will stop responding to monitored alarms with persistent false activations (other than 999 calls) and you or your staff will get fed-up with those middle of the night calls to sort the problem out, which could put them and your business at risk.
CCTV - A growing security solution, CCTV is particularly beneficial to retailers. It can deter crime and provides evidence, which may help in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. Owners of CCTV systems must comply with the 1998 Data Protection Act and a good installer will be able to ensure that the set-up of the surveillance cameras are compliant with this. It is important that CCTV is installed correctly, allowing adequate light for the cameras to record images, ensuring that vulnerable areas are covered and that images are of high quality so that they are not rendered useless.
Before a system is installed, a good installer will conduct a risk assessment in line with agreed industry standards to properly identify your exact requirements. They will also know which products are reliable when sourcing your security equipment, not just opting for the cheapest hardware. Failure to do all of this may result in under or over specification.
3. Make sure that you comply with your insurer's requirements:
Your insurance company will require you to have a system that is fit for purpose and will normally specify the type of system required as a condition of cover. Should you not fully comply with your insurers requirements, it may result in reduced or even loss of payout of insurance following an incident.
A third-party certified installer approved by NSI, will adhere to the requirements of your insurance company, ensuring that you comply with their stipulations.
So, how do you find a third-party installer that will guarantee you the peace of mind and the protection that you require?
Simply choose an installer that is third-party certificated. NSI is an independent, not-for-profit approvals body that inspects companies providing CCTV and intruder alarm systems. The NSI was created in 1971 to deal with poor quality equipment and ‘cowboy' installers. Companies with NSI approval must prove their competence on a continuing basis. They may not always be the cheapest but are invariably the best.
Follow these simple steps and you can then be confident that your system will be of the highest standard and complies with the requirements of Police and insurance companies.
To find out more about NSI, visit http://www.nsi.org.uk/ or call 0845 006 3003.
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- 18 - 21 January, 2009
CHIC - UK
