How Do Static Guards Protect Retail Businesses and Customers?
There is a constant battle retail stores are currently facing against external and internal theft, protecting their staff and maintaining a good environment for customers and staff. Static guards are a key component in this battle by offering a hands on solution to these challenges, combining an initial deterrent with a rapid response and a human touch that technology alone can’t match. By a static guard providing a visible presence, controlling access and addressing incidents before they escalate they are the clear difference between having continuity in the place’s safety they protect vs one without a guard that leaves internal and external elements to play our freely which can lead to losses, incidents and a poor reputation..
Whether it’s simply stopping shoplifters, directing customers as part of their shop or leading evacuations or other emergencies, or just ensuring staff feel secure on a day to day basis, static guards bring real value to retail operations. In this article we look at how these SIA licensed static guards safeguard businesses while positively impacting the overall shopping experience. Here is a fact that might shock you regarding the current demand for Security Officers: The UK needs 62,000 new security officers to meet soaring demand and ensure public safety.
What Do We Cover In This Article?
1. What Makes Static Guards Essential for Retail Security?
The number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales has risen to a new 20-year high. A total of 443,995 offences were logged by forces in the year to March 2024, up 30% on the 342,428 recorded in the previous 12 months. Static guards are being used to bring this figure down as they have the correct training and know how to exercise their authority and professionalism to any retail space they occupy. Their visible, uniformed presence acts as a strong deterrent to potential shoplifters and troublemakers. An experienced security guard will monitor peoples activities and keep an eye on suspicious behaviour, quickly intervening if necessary in the right manner that doesn’t cause offense or escalate a situation and deters theft.
For example, while CCTV cameras are excellent for recording incidents, people have become so used to them in every day life that they don’t stop or deter theft from happening anymore. Static guards bridge this gap by having a physical presence in the store and being in the way of them and the exit. This often deters and prevents theft and issues even occurring when the would be shoplifter can go to the store next door that doesn’t have security. Static guards also add a personal touch to the shopping experience by offering assistance to customers and ensuring the retail environment feels safe and welcoming.
Pro Tip: If you pair dual licensed static guards with surveillance cameras for a well-rounded security system. These specially trained and licensed guards can respond to what the cameras spot in real-time, which is great because they have confirmed evidence and can recover the goods according to the A.S.C.O.N.E criteria.
Stop Shoplifting Before It Happens
Take control of your retail security with trained static guards. Reduce losses, protect your staff, and create a safe space for your customers.
2. How Do Static Guards Prevent Shoplifting?
An issue that is now standing as one of the biggest challenges facing the high street is retail crime. Retailer losses doubling last year to the tune of £1.8bn Static guards prevent shoplifting by:
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- They are trained and experienced in spotting suspicious behaviour, such as concealing items or tampering with security tags. You get what you pay for in this sense, a high paid static guard will have much more experience and skills in detection, apprehension and processing of shoplifters than one on minimum wage.
- Having a guard in store means they can respond immediately, stopping incidents before they escalate such as an irate customer or a group of individuals attempting steaming.
- They keep an eye on high-risk areas, like exits, changing rooms, and displays of valuable items when your staff are unable to.
- By interacting with customers, guards make shoplifters feel watched, disrupting any plans to steal and being a point of reassurance for customers in busy stores against pick pockets..
- They work hand in hand with technology, this could be CCTV and security tags via responding to alarms.
- Their presence creates a safer environment, making both staff and customers feel more comfortable throughout the day.
- Static guards handle incidents professionally, ensuring the store stays secure without intimidating genuine shoppers.
Key Takeaway: A proactive guard reduces the opportunity for theft, protecting your profits and making your store a safer place to shop.
3. Can Static Guards Make Customers and Staff Feel Safer?
Yes, customers are more likely to return to a shop where they feel secure, this has been studied and documented. Static guards can help create a relaxed shopping atmosphere by welcoming people as they enter the store and addressing potential threats promptly and maintaining order. For staff it is about knowing that there is a professional on hand to take care of emergencies allows them to focus on their work without fear.
During emergencies, whether it is a medical situation, fire alarm or evacuation guards are great as they can take charge of the situation initially until the emergency services arrive and then brief them effectively during the handover. They are trained to guide people to safety, manage panic and hysteria and generally keep things under control.
Pro Tip: Invest in guards with customer service training that are friendly, approachable and have a good presence as they will make a big difference to the customers perception of your store.
Reassure Your Customers and Staff
Static guards don’t just prevent theft, they foster trust and safety in your store. Build a welcoming, secure environment for everyone today.
4. How Do Static Guards Handle Access Control in Retail Spaces?
Static guards are instrumental in regulating entry and exit points, especially in busy or high value retail environments in city centres. By managing who or the volume of people coming in and out, they help prevent over crowding during peak trading times or in store events which helps to mitigate the risk of theft of stock or pick pockets in the store.
For example, guards can monitor restricted areas like stockrooms or back of house staff rooms and fire exits. They may also conduct bag checks or monitor store EAS alarms to ensure nothing is taken out of the store without payment.
Security guards can’t catch every single shoplifter but by keeping an eye on foot traffic and who goes where they limit the amount of losses and deter bulk theft.
5. Can Hiring Static Guards Save on Security Costs?
While hiring guards comes with a price tag, it can actually save money in the long run as has been proved with our retail client base. Losses from theft, vandalism, and other incidents can add up quickly. Guards help prevent these issues, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. Plus, their presence can lower insurance premiums for some types of businesses such as jewellery stores or watch shops.
Compared to AI-tech security systems, static guards offer flexibility as they can adapt to different situations, whereas systems like CCTV are only as effective as the people monitoring them or the areas they can view. Guards can move around the store and view blind spots and assess body language and make a dynamic risk assessment such as looking at what the person is wearing, if the person if watching them more than they are shopping, or moving erratically throughout the store.
6. How Do Static Guards Add Value to Retail Operations?
Static guards add value to retail operations by freeing up members of staff to do their daily tasks outside of loss prevention. For example the store manager will have more time to manage the store and invest in recruitment, training and supervision as well as keep up with daily reports and inventory orders. A guards presence also reassures customers and staff, fosters trust, and even enhances the overall shopping experience. Guards can act as customer service representatives, helping lost shoppers, providing directions, or assisting with safety concerns.
Their ability to monitor, prevent, and respond to incidents allows store managers to focus on running the business rather than worrying about safety. This combination of security and support makes static guards an invaluable part of any retail operation.
Pro Tip: Hire guards who are familiar with your retail niche. Their knowledge of customer behaviour and risks specific to your industry can significantly improve their effectiveness.
7. Are Static Guards the Right Choice for Your Store?
If you’re looking to reduce losses, improve safety, and create a positive shopping environment, static guards are a solid investment. They bring a human element to security that technology alone can’t provide, and their presence offers peace of mind to both customers and staff.
Retailers who combine static guards with smart technology and a well thought out security plan are best positioned to protect their business and provide an exceptional shopping experience. Take the time to evaluate your needs and find a security provider with trained, experienced and SIA licensed guards to get the best results.
Affordable, Reliable Security Solutions
Hiring static guards is a cost-effective way to cut down on losses and improve safety. Start saving money while keeping your business secure.