09 Jul 10 Loss Prevention Myths

Traditionally, loss prevention was very little technology and lots of man power. Guards would be present whenever a threat or potential threat was present. Whether it be for access control, extra security during big sales, the presence of security at construction sites, or a guard controlling a gate at a warehouse or industrial site, a physical guard was the go to for security needs

Today, there is a plethora of technology available on the market, and since technology is getting more and more high tech by the day, people are finding more and more reason to go with technology for all of their security needs.

We’re hearing all kinds of reasons as to why the presence of security guards is no longer required. From technology to budget cuts, companies are investing in one time technology costs and cutting the presence of guards. But, can technology alone protect your people and your assets?

Here are 10 common loss prevention myths, and the truths behind them:

I have cameras with vantage points of my entire perimeter. Cameras may not deter a thief from stealing – they could block the camera, you should have physical security

I have gates at the business entrance that prevent unwanted cars from driving in. Gates will not stop someone from jumping over, there’s always a need for physical security to be present

My employees are great hardworking people, they won’t steal from me – shrinkage from employee theft accounts for a large portion of loss at companies. Not all employees are dishonest, but there are a lot that would do something dishonest if given the opportunity.

I live in a small town, there’s not much threat here. Even small towns have threats, kids get bored, there’s not much to do, so they turn to vandalism and petty theft.

Security is expensive, I can keep an eye out myself, it’s not hard to watch people. Security doesn’t have to be expensive. Although you don’t want to get the cheapest company on the market, you can work with the company to have them provide mobile spot checks, or presence during peak hours. And although you can watch out yourself, it’s always better to have a trained professional who knows what to look for and exactly what to do in the event of a problem. Getting into the business of self-security could get you into trouble as things like ensuring you have continuity of the event, and knowing proper procedures of when and how to arrest someone are important when it comes to the police making a charge.

We have access control cards allowing only those that are supposed to enter the building, actually enter the building. With tailgating, employee theft, and ‘card swapping’ or ‘lending’, there are lots of gaps in a system only approach to access control. Having a guard on site to ensure those that are supposed to be entering are the only ones entering, and employees are leaving empty handed is always a good idea.

I have a 10 foot fence, its high enough to protect the building from unwanted trespassers. This one is easy, people climb fences. Where there is a will, there is away, and a criminal who scopes out your site can easily get past a fence.

I have guard dogs. Most criminals have bear spray, dog spray, or may injure your dogs to gain access to the premises. Not only could the dogs get hurt or worse, you could end up with some very expensive vet bills. On top of that, believe it or not, you could end up with a liability law suit for a dog bite. It doesn’t seem right that a criminal could sue you for getting a dog bite while trying to trespass, but it happens. Having a guard on site to control the dogs and take appropriate measures should someone try to gain access is a much more reasonable course that will ensure the protection of you, your employees and your property.

I have a monitored alarm system. Alarm systems are great, however, the police response time isn’t seconds, but minutes. This is common knowledge among the general public, which means criminals are aware of this as well. A quick smash and grab can still cost a company thousands in stolen items and property damage. Having the presence of a guard can reduce this threat.

I have sensors and checkpoint gates at my store. A thief may tamper with security tags with professional cutting tools in order to walk out with merchandise. Even if they don’t use the tools, and just walk out with the merchandise, setting the alarms off, they could run, create another distraction, or inconspicuously pass the merchandise to an accomplice while an employee is approaching. During busy season, with multiple people walking in and out at the same time could make it even harder for employees to catch someone who walks out with unpaid merchandise. Having a guard present who knows what to look for and is there solely to watch out for criminal activity will help protect you from loss prevention.