Elevate Your Retail Security: Essential Enhancements for a Safer Shopping Experience

June 17, 2024

At Red Badge, we are dedicated to setting the standard in retail security. With almost three decades of experience, our tailored security solutions ensure the safety of your retail site, staff, and customers. Here’s four tips on how you can enhance your retail security to create a safer and more welcoming environment.

Stab Protection Vests

Our top recommendation for improving retail security is the use of stab protection vests. These vests not only enhance the authoritative presence of our security guards but also professionalise their appearance, which can significantly reduce crime rates. Guards wearing these vests report a higher level of professionalism and respect from offenders compared to those in standard uniforms. Additionally, these vests offer critical protection against stabbing incidents, which are more common than slashing incidents.

Implementation:

Assess the site to determine the required number of vests and sizes.
Integrate the vests with existing uniforms, considering colour and branding.
Communicate the implementation to key stakeholders, explaining the benefits and any changes to procedures.
Provide training on the correct use and care of the vests to ensure maximum protection and comfort.

Increased Visibility Clothing

Improving the visibility of security personnel is crucial. Bright, high-visibility uniforms enhance deterrence capabilities and make it easier for on-site staff and CCTV operators to identify security guards. We recommend transitioning from black uniforms to brighter colours or contrast polo shirts to promote a professional image and increase visibility.

Implementation:

Assess current site rules and practices regarding high visibility clothing for contractors.
Develop a change management plan for the new uniform, ensuring suitability and compliance.
Engage with your security provider for implementation.

Team Safety Cameras

Body-worn cameras are an effective tool for enhancing security professionalism and accountability. These cameras help de-escalate confrontations and improve interactions with offenders, who are often deterred by the presence of cameras. Recording all interactions provides accurate documentation of both offender behaviour and security personnel actions, aiding in continuous learning and improving response strength.

Implementation:

Assess the site requirements for the number of cameras and compatibility with current uniforms and equipment.
Determine the best delivery model considering CCTV systems, server capability, live streaming, and cloud access.
Train security personnel on the use of cameras and familiarise them with site SOPs.

Panic Buttons

In high-risk situations or large areas, panic buttons are a crucial safety measure. Activation triggers an alert to a monitoring centre, which contacts the guard first and then the police if necessary.

Implementation:

Assess site requirements for the number of guards and potential lone worker situations.
Determine the most appropriate type of panic button, considering integration with radios or GPS capabilities.
Train security personnel on the proper use and activation of panic buttons.

At Red Badge, we are committed to providing the highest standard of retail security. By implementing these enhancements, we can help you create a safer, more secure environment for everyone who visits and works at your retail site. For more information on how we can elevate your retail security, contact us at info@redbadge.co.nz or fill in our contact form here.