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

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