Do you have peace of mind when you lock up for the night? To keep your store and everything in it protected from criminals, you need not only a good burglar alarm system but also a good ongoing relationship with the security vendor. “To help prevent losses when your business is closed, focus on three layers of protection: physical security, electronic protection and consistently applied procedures,” says Felicia Poppy, a loss prevention specialist at Jewelers Mutual. JM’s website, www.jewelersmutual.com, is a good source of information, as is the Jewelers’ Security Alliance (jewelerssecurity.org), which publishes the Jewelers Security Manual, a must-read for all storeowners. — FRED MICHMERSHUIZEN

• Go with a company that is listed with Underwriters Laboratories. A U.L.-listed firm should deliver “standards-based” service. If you can’t find a U.L.-listed vendor, then work with your insurance company to make a good choice. — Felicia Poppy, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.

• An effective burglar alarm system will enable three different types of detection: penetration of the perimeter of the store, movement within the store, and protection of objects inside the store. — Poppy

• Select a vendor that knows the jewelry business and ask for references. — Daniel Oppenheim of DGA Security Systems

• Don’t do DIY installations or maintenance. — Poppy

• The communications link with the command center is the most important aspect of any store’s security system. In addition to transmitting the signals over the phone line, you should have a backup — a cellular transmitter or a long-range radio transmitter. The links should be tested daily. — Alan H. Gillmore III, CEO of Gillmore Security Systems

• “Given time, criminals can break into just about any store. Your goal is to slow them down long enough for help to arrive.” — Poppy

• “If it is available, get ‘keyed guard response.’ If the alarm goes off, the company’s bonded guards will enter the store and look around so that you don’t have to put yourself at risk.” — Poppy

• “Speak with your insurance broker prior to selecting a company. They will have specific requirements for the type of system you can install and which companies to use.” — Oppenheim

• For one retailer’s perspective on security in his store, check out “Building the Store” on page 111.

This story is from the April 2010 edition of INSTORE

Comments (0)

Name

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

Add Comment