Security for the Holiday Rush
The holiday season is retail’s busiest time of the year. Not only does the holiday season draw large crowds of Christmas shoppers hunting for the best bargain or newest gadget, but people are drawn to shopping malls and public areas to attend the many festivities that go along with the holiday season. Pictures with Santa, Christmas markets, festivals, parties, and other holiday-themed activations make this time of the year particularly busy – for business owners, citizens, and law enforcement/security teams.
While we love the rush and buzz of the holidays, we are also very aware of the increased crime rates that this time of the year is victim to. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, there is a significant increase in crime rates all over the world – with robberies topping the list. So, how do you enjoy the most joyous time of the year while ensuring your business is secure, your people are safe, and you actually enjoy yourself? Well, look no further because we have some easy-to-apply tips and tricks you can use to capitalize on the busiest time of the year and get through it all with a smile.
1. Increased Employee Training & Vigilance
Your employees are your first form of defence against day-to-day loss prevention and keeping your business and safe and secure over the holiday season – and beyond. While it’s important to ensure your employees are up to date on your business’s security standards all year long, with the increased crime rates seen over the holiday season, coupled with a likely influx in visitors and potentially increased store hours, it is even more critical to provide updated training to employees for the holiday season. In addition, many stores hire seasonal employees to manage the holiday surge and while the increase in staff is helpful it can also pose risks having new staff on-board who may not be up to speed with your store’s rules and safety regulations. By providing additional training to your staff before and during the busiest time of the year, your employees will feel more comfortable secure, and they can confidently ensure that any new staff that join the team are aligned with your store mandates – which is a win-win for your store’s security over the holidays.
2. Test, Test
One of our biggest and most crucial tips leading up to the holiday season is to test all your security equipment inside and outside of your store. This isn’t just limited to surveillance equipment either, you should ensure your store alarms are calibrated and working accordingly, break-in/theft alarms are accurately alerting law enforcement upon being set off, and all security prevention equipment is charged and working at its full threshold or capacity. This equipment is useful for both preventative and reactive security tactics, meaning that it can both help prevent crime or, if something unforeseen does happen over the holiday season, it can be used to help your security team and law enforcement catch the culprit.
3. 24/7 Security Services
You deserve to enjoy the holidays, and our team of professionals is here to help and at your service 24/7. By hiring seasonal or full-time security guards, you’ll create a safe environment for your staff, ensure your assets and goods are secure, and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve throughout the festive season. Our security guards are trained to the highest calibre in retail loss prevention, black tie security, VIP / executive protection security, and are equipped with the most professional customer service tactics in the business to not only ensure your store is protected by bolster your brand and reputation through positive interactions. We strive to not only cultivate and foster a safe environment in your store but to also ensure your employees and clients have a positive experience.
We understand that the holiday season can be an extremely stressful couple of months, but it can also be an opportune time to grow your business, encourage new customers, and build your brand. If you partner with a security team and follow the tips we’ve shared above, your business will not only be kept safe and secure over the busy season, but you’ll reap all of the rewards that this time of year has in-store.
About IntercomLux Security
Owned and operated in Vancouver, BC, IntercomLux is a full-service security company providing a wide range of unique clients with tailored security solutions. To receive a risk consultation and a complementary quotation, reach out to our team of experts today: inquiries@intercomlux.com | 604-283-8599