Commercial
Security
Buying a new home is a very exciting time in anyone’s life – and from a lifestyle perspective there are few things more exciting! Handing over the balance of sale means that you are now the proud owner of a property and ready to start calling it your own. Moving into a new home can be frantic and you can often get overwhelmed with an enormous ‘To Do’ list. To help you out, we have outlined some key things to remember when moving house to hopefully avoid any hiccups during this exciting transition.
When you’re moving into a new house you will be hugely excited, but often distracted. This is totally understandable. Your mind is going to be full of all sorts of things, from what kind of furniture will work in the space, to where you’re going to put everyone in the house. It may be the case that you put off or neglect thinking about some of the less exciting, but still vital, parts of moving. One key component of moving into a new home is ensuring that you have its security sorted out so that the safety of your family can be guaranteed; a monitored alarm, sensor detectors or surveillance cameras may be some such security options explored. If you don’t have security organised, you run the risk of being susceptible to break-ins and burglary. After all, the modern day thief is very intelligent – and a smart crook will know that a new house on the block is far less likely to have their security up and running. Make sure you are one up on the burglars and protect your home and family before you move in.
Moving into a new home requires some work. This much goes without saying, and you can choose to either hire full service movers or to hire a truck and do it yourself (or a mix of the two). If you opt for the former you’ll need to ensure you’ve budgeted for this and if you opt for the latter you need to make sure that you have plenty of good friends on board who are willing helpers!
If you have a dog or cat (or any other kind of pet) you need to ensure that the backyard is adequately prepared. Does your dog require secure fencing or a dog door? There couldn’t be anything worse than completing the big move only to have your puppy escape and go marauding around the neighbourhood!
When you move into a new home, there’s always the thought that the keys you have are the same as the previous owners. It’s definitely recommended that as part of your security check that you change the locks to avoid any possible break-ins. This should be done in a timely manner, and potentially even before you’ve moved into your new property.
We wish you all the best with the new home that you have or are thinking of purchasing. Don’t forget to think about your security needs well ahead of time to ensure that you’re not left high and dry by the time the dust settles on your latest purchase. Chartercom Security can provide you with a customised security solution that will be sure to prevent those unwanted burglars from spoiling your brand new home.
Call us on 1300 844 844 or visit us at chartercomsecurity.com.au for a confidential assessment of your security needs.
They are the top items stolen from supermarkets around the world. The zeitgeist of supermarket theft is shifting. No longer are shoplifters focusing on traditional CRAVED (concealable, removable, available, valuable, enjoyable, disposable) goods such as batteries, brand named drugs, or products like printer cartridges that they try and exchange for cash at a later date. This is partly because many old school CRAVED goods are kept behind counters or carry a security tag. Not so with the humble cheese, which means supermarket security cannot be planed car-philly enough – sorry I couldn’t resist. As for pregnancy tests, they are often used in store and ditched in toilet bins. In Australia alone, supermarkets loose as much as A$2.9 billion annually to acts like these which are labeled, rather euphemistically, by the industry as ‘shrink’.
The people responsible for shrink are not always the usual suspects. Petty thieves are using pregnancy tests in the bathroom, but there are also serial thieves, and organised theft rings. It’s not only adolescents who steal, although for the moment they still make up the largest percentage of age category caught shoplifting. One theft ring in America was composed only of senior citizens, where one would steal an item and another would return it for cash in a few days time. Here in Victoria, there has been a rise in light fingered geriatrics with five shoplifters aged over 70 being caught each week, but often facing reduced or lesser charges because of their (unexpected) age.
There isn’t a major supermarket chain anywhere on the planet that doesn’t employ a security system to reduce its shrinkage. Security measures and processes need to be implemented across all stores in the chain with some uniformity. However, expert knowledge should assist in understanding why some stores are targeted more than others and how security can be tailored in that particular store location. These practices need to be updated as thieves change preferences and practices so the store is always one step ahead. This is the kind of expertise Chartercom can offer chain store operators. Our solutions are not based on yesterday’s information or cookie cutter notions of ‘one security solution suits all’. When products like cheese suddenly enter the top ten choice items for shoplifters, we assist retailers with store plans, security cameras, product placement, and security gates to target this new theft hot spot without neglecting others. Costco selected Chartercom for their security needs because they know we are experts in this field.
For a confidential consultation to assess your stores’ security needs call Chartercom today on 1300 844 844 or visit us at chartercomsecurity.com.au to see how we can help. You would be Edam fool not to! Ok enough of the cheesy jokes.
Having the right kind of security system for your business is a key part of protecting your staff and assets. There are numerous security measures that you can invest in to protect your company, and yet there are still so many businesses who aren’t sufficiently protected, or who don’t know what they need to invest in. We’d like to take a look at the potential risks for when an appropriate security system is absent and examine measures that you can implement to ensure that you’re protected.
Problem one – Employee theft
A huge problem within Australian businesses is the prevalence of employee theft. Australian Federal Police statistics show that 70 percent of business fraud losses come from staff and former staff. This has cost Australian businesses over $1.5 billion in annual revenue. Additionally, the Australian Retailers Association estimates that 55 per cent of stock shrinkage is directly related to employee theft. Employee theft is something that you really need to be aware of. One of the biggest deterrents for this is the installation of a working and comprehensive security system. It works to prevent staff from considering theft and makes them increasingly accountable for their actions. Although you want to expect the best from your staff you need to prepare for the worst, and a surveillance system is a great way to both protect your business and to make people accountable for their actions.
Problem two – Break & Enter
Another huge concern for any business owner is the problem of theft from an external source. Any business owner who has experienced this for themselves will understand how problematic it is to deal with the aftermath of theft. Not only will you potentially be missing stock and valuables, but you’ll also have to deal with police and insurance companies, and staff may feel unsettled or unsafe in the workplace. There are many ways to protect your property, and getting security patrols for your property, installing a 24-hour-monitored security alarm and increasing your security guard presence is a huge deterrent to potential thieves.
Problem three – Patron violence
When you operate a business where you have people coming and going from your venue (say for example, a bar or restaurant) you need to be sure that your staff are safe from unwelcome patron behaviours. A good way to ensure that your staff are safe is to consider the option of a mobile patrol service in conjunction with on-site guards. This presence will work to deter would-be attackers. Plus, if you use a physical presence in combination with monitored security surveillance you can work to ensure that if there is any foul play, you have the whole event captured on camera and guards at the ready.
Problem four – Staff feel unsafe
It’s vital that you have a culture of safety in your workplace and that you are working to make sure that your staff feel well looked after. A great way to ensure that your staff are always feeling secure is if you have appropriate security and surveillance in and around your property. If possible, a great addition to your security system is surveillance in and on the way to car parks, including guards and security patrols, especially if you have staff arriving or leaving very early or very late throughout the day or night. You could also have security checkpoints for your staff to have to pass in and out of as an added measure.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the potential problems that can occur when you don’t have a comprehensive security system in place. There are myriad potential issues – and it really does pay to be aware and proactive in order to be as safe as possible. If you need help with your security or if you just have a couple of questions, feel free to get in touch and we can assist you with any and all of your security needs.
Let Chartercom Security create a personalised commercial security system for your business to keep you safe around the clock. Call us on 1300 844 844 or visit us at chartercomsecurity.com.au for a confidential assessment of your commercial security needs.
When you set up a retail business, it’s probably the fulfillment of a long-held dream, or perhaps a bright idea that has suddenly taken off and found a market. Often, there’s an inspirational story behind it.
Underpinning your business is the need to make a profit, and of course that’s the ultimate goal. But as we know, there are darker forces out there that are working against you, shoplifters.
In the most basic sense, the dishonest people who steal your product for their own personal gain are threatening your business and the livelihood of your employees.
This is why every good retailer needs a solid loss prevention strategy.
At Chartercom Security, our generations in the security industry business have given us great insight into how shoplifters think, and developed a sound understanding for ways in which you can defeat them.
We have developed a five-point plan, we call it the 5 B’s, and it can be used as a tool to prevent loss of stock as well as aid understanding of the techniques employed by expert retail thieves.
BE ALERT: Employee awareness is your greatest resource. Staff should acknowledge customers entering and leaving the store with a simple meet and greet. They should offer service, and if the customer says they are fine for the moment, they should respond by saying, “Great, if you need assistance, I’ll just over here”, and indicate an area close by. It is essential that all staff know the layout of the store and are made aware of likely or possible theft areas, ensuring such areas are consistently patrolled.
BE AWARE: Understand the difference between a buyer/browser and a shoplifter. Watch for body language. Stealers get close to items. The last thing a thieve does is look around to confirm no one is looking. Are they nervous, hesitant? What about concealment? Do they have prams, bulky garments, retail sale bags?
BE PROACTIVE: Follow the three Ds:
You can also employ behavioral skills, such as brief staff on effective body language that doesn’t allude to intimidation or hostility when a shoplifter is identified. By opening one’s hands and not folding arms or clenching fists, the scenario is more likely to remain peaceful and the thief does not perceive the employee as a threat but understands they are close by. Use personal body space to direct a stealer on a desired course. Give them a way out, they are likely to dump a product rather than get caught.
BE CERTAIN: It’s extremely important you do not breach the law. A customer doesn’t have to show the contents of a bag. A manager can explain the legal rights, and if the customer still refuses, you can refuse a sale, ask them to leave, or call the police if there are confirmed grounds to believe an offence has been committed. NEVER detain a person or force them physically to stay. If you are assaulted, you have the legal right to reasonably defend yourself in accordance with the law.
BE TOGETHER: Develop a team commitment to prevent loss. For example, if staff are uncertain in a situation, they might say to a colleague, “Security are due in soon, aren’t they?” You may then have an employee walk past a suspected thief or stay near them. All staff must follow company procedure. Discussion surrounding theft prevention at team meetings and training of such are key in protecting your stock, your staff, as well as your business as a whole.
Good customer service is part of the answer to loss prevention. Chartercom Security has the experience to help you, and we can confidentially discuss the other elements to protect your business, such as state-of-the-art CCTV.
Contact our team on 1300 844 844 or visit us at chartercomsecurity.com.au
There are just some things that shouldn’t happen. One of them is being robbed by Santa.
As hard as it is to believe, would-be thieves have regularly taken advantage of the season of goodwill to don the distinctive red and white outfit of the jolly fellow and the disguise offered by a white beard and hat.
I remember an incident from last Christmas when a ‘Santa’ wearing sunglasses entered a retail outlet and demanded the staff fill his red sack with cash. At first the staff thought he was going to give them lollies.
There has been a long history of crooks using the Santa disguise, the most infamous was the Santa Claus Robbery of 1929, when three ‘Santas’ held up the First National Bank in Cisco, Texas. The bank tellers were also caught by surprise, greeting the thieves with “Hello Santa!”
‘Tis the season for thieves!
Retailers know that while Christmas is the time for big sales, it is also the season that would-be thieves take advantage of the big crowds that flood our shopping centres as a cover for shop stealing.
I really think it is a shame that some people see Christmas as a season to commit dishonest acts and cheat their fellow man.
But that’s how it is. It is a mistake to think that shoplifting and fraud are spontaneous, opportunistic crimes. Most of the time, they are not.
Just like retailers, thieves plan around annual cycles, with Christmas being the busiest and most profitable time of year for shoplifters, just as it is for retailers.
Everything becomes simpler; more stock in your store means that there are more barriers and blind spots on the shop floor. There is also the issue of stock associated confusion, were there only 10 units stacked there or a dozen? The big crowds also provide the camouflage that allows crooks to hide.
As we know, at peak periods you are more than likely to have younger, inexperienced staff to cope with increased demand. The employment of armature staff presents further security problems as such staff are almost defenseless against experienced con artists.
We’re familiar with the old rouse of a customer giving your new staff member $20 for a small item and when he is being given his change he insists he gave them a fifty. Is an 18-year-old school leaver going challenge a veteran thief?
Then there are new, short-term staff members you might not know as well. You need to be on guard for stock shrinkage and missing cash.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq91oluMKzc#action=share
How you can protect your business.
At Chartercom, we know there is a lot of theft prevention measures retailers can implement themselves. With over 20-years of experience in the security industry, I know that there is no magic bullet, retail security is multi-faceted and requires a collaborative approach.
The first guard against theft relates to staff. You need enough staff in your store to properly observe your goods and customers, especially throughout peak periods. It is imperative they are trained in detecting shoplifters and comprehend organisational procedure when dealing with these incidents.
Then there is a first-rate CCTV system. It’s a great deterrent not only for shoplifters but any staff or delivery personnel who may have a fraudulent agenda. CCTV nips that urge in the bud.
I would also caution against do-it-yourself CCTV and security systems. You might think you are protected, but you really need expert advice.
Crooks can be beaten, and at Chartercom, we’re ready to help. We protect some of the nation’s biggest brands, including Nike, Mercedes, Toys R Us, Country Road, iSelect, Transpacific, and Priceline among many.
Call us today on 1300 844 844 or visit us at chartercomsecurity.com.au
I’m often asked about what makes up the best elements of a security system, and invariably, the discussion turns to CCTV.
CCTV has become an everyday part of our lives, both in the community and the workplace. But not all CCTV systems are created equal. Based on generations of experience in developing world-class security systems, our team at Chartercom Security knows the value and protection offered by a CCTV system tailored to your needs.
It is this reason why we have been employed to protect some of Australia’s most high profile brands; including that of Ford, BP, Nike, Mercedes, Toys R Us and Country Road among many.
So why look at CCTV as part of your security solution? Here are the Top Six reasons how CCTV can work for you:
1. Stopping theft
Preventing theft is both time-consuming and costly. Even the highest trained staff can only do so much to guard against would-be thieves. A big advantage of a well designed, state-of-the-art CCTV system is that there is always an eye on potential thieves, acting as a powerful deterrent. It also has the added benefit of guarding against stock shrinkage from within your own staff or delivery personnel. CCTV also serves as a powerful training tool to provide team members with information on common methods of theft, blind spots where theft occurs, real-time footage throughout an event of shoplifting, and can even help to dictate future floor coverage by staff to effectively prevent theft
2. Keeping your employees safe
Most of the time, interactions between consumers and staff are pleasant, peaceful and professional. However, there is always potential that a situation may arise whereby members of staff are placed in a position of risk. This is where CCTV can provide a level of protection from members of the public who might behave in a threatening or disorderly way. By implementing a Chartercom Security CCTV system, the safety of both patrons and staff are ensured; nevertheless, if required, a clear and accurate record of the incident can be immediately provided by the system. Notably, the very presence of our cameras acts as a deterrent for potential offenders.
3. Sending a clear message to vandals
The indiscriminate and often random destruction of property is a kind of behaviour that is hard to comprehend. The associated repair costs of vandalism can pose huge financial burden to any company, making it one of the biggest security risks your business may face. A CCTV system is a clear, visible statement to potential vandals that they are being watched and recorded. It’s a powerful deterrent and protection for your business, staff and customers.
4. Knowing that someone is always watching out
When it comes to peace of mind, the knowledge that there is always an eye on your operations is hard to beat. No matter how hard we try, we can’t be everywhere, let alone see everything. That’s the kind of security a Chartercom CCTV system provides, offering reassurance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It guards against theft and wards off intruders. Additionally, there is the added benefit that staff are less likely to take shortcuts that could endanger their safety or hinder organisational productivity. An additional benefit of the Chartercom CCTV system is that it can be monitored anytime, anywhere, and via any device – smartphone, tablet, laptop and desktop PC.
5. When something goes wrong
Even with the deterrence provided by a CCTV system, workplace incidents can still occur. That’s when a CCTV system from Chartercom Security will step in to provide irrefutable evidence required to establish the facts surrounding an event, ensuring those responsible are held accountable. From criminal and civil actions to insurance claims, CCTV can provide the hard evidence that’s needed for a speedy resolution.
6. External support/cost saving
Where a business has more than one location, a CCTV system is an ideal aid that allows an external view into that location. This may be from a Head Office, or Regional Manager, the Owner of multiple locations, as well as the marketing or visual merchandising team. The system allows them to remotely view the location and thus provide valuable support, often decreasing the need of travel. Therefore it can be seen that a Chartercom Security CCTV system can facilitate business continuity and reduce operational costs.
At Chartercom Security, our commitment is to keep you, your employees and your business safe and protected. Contact our team for a confidential assessment of your protection needs, and the peace-of-mind solutions that we can provide, call us on 1300 844 844 or via our website www.chartercomsecurity.com.au
