The Messenger

Security and camera systems are crucial for collecting evidence and detecting current threats, but unfortunately, they don't have the kind of intuition it takes to find and resolve more complex issues. Fortunately, professional security guards are trained to spot and diffuse difficult situations, helping your company to maintain professionalism while simultaneously reducing losses.

Here are three ways security guards succeed where automated systems fail, and why you should consider hiring your own team.

1. Determining Threats

One of the biggest downsides of traditional security systems is the fact that they can't tell the difference between a customer who has been shoving items into their purse and a perfectly innocent shopper who happens to be standing too close to storefront door sensors.

As a result, security systems are typically either being triggered so frequently store employees ignore the alarm or so infrequently that workers forget the system is there.

On the other hand, professional security personnel are trained to identify and address potential threats. In addition to understanding how to detect the types of behavior that signal the intent to steal, security officers can quickly execute a plan to address this behavior without alarming other patrons.

For instance, if they detect a person who happens to be pilfering merchandise, they can quickly spot the problem and escort the customer into a private area for questioning before the police arrive.

Security teams today are also trained to diffuse potentially dangerous situations, such as active shooter scenarios. If they spot someone who is acting erratically or brandishing a weapon, they can work to notify authorities and actively disarm the individual, preventing tragedies.

2. Deterring Potential Thieves

One of the reasons businesses love automated security systems is the fact that they aren't always visible, protecting store aesthetics. Unfortunately, this aspect of security systems can actually be a disadvantage since hidden cameras and built-in door sensors don't deter thieves either.

Although many movies depict thieves as intelligent criminal masterminds who are willing to carefully case a job before doing the work, the fact of the matter is that many criminals look for low-lying fruit rather than complex robberies with high payoffs.

If your business looks easy to rob, it is more likely to be targeted by thieves casing the area. On the other hand, if you have a trained security guard standing out front greeting customers, your business becomes instantly intimidating to anyone thinking about theft.

Effective security guards should be carefully trained, focused on their job, and attentive to store changes. Often, robbers look out for guards who aren't paying attention or who don't seem committed to their jobs. Only work with professional security companies who employ committed, hard-working loss prevention experts.

3. Assessing Other Forms of Loss

While it is true that theft costs US retailers $50 billion dollars a year, merchandise that walks away isn't the only way stores lose money. In addition to shoplifting, your store might also lose money because of poorly built displays, an improperly set thermostat, or even lawsuits stemming from slip-and-fall incidents.

However, one of the other benefits of working with a trained security guard is the fact that they can watch out for other forms of loss, helping you to lower your overall cost of doing business. In addition to watching out for shoplifters, loss prevention officers can also perform checks of different systems around your store, looking for issues that could end up costing you money.

If you are reevaluating your take on store security, give us a call today. Here at Security Services Northwest, Inc., our trained team of security personnel understands how to identify and resolve threats, helping you to protect your company's bottom line. To learn more about how we can help, give us a call today.