Theft, burglary, and robbery can happen anywhere — but some businesses are more vulnerable to crime than others. Projections show that shoplifting could cost retailers over $140 billion next year, and that’s just one type of theft. Many of these crimes are preventable, and business owners can implement safeguards like security cameras to reduce the risk of being targeted. We will explore who is most at risk of theft in business and what steps you can take to protect your property from harm. First, let’s define common types of theft.
Shoplifting: Shoplifting occurs when someone steals retail goods during business hours. They may try to blend in with other customers and hide products in clothing, a bag, or in their pockets.
Burglary: Burglary is illegally entering a building or structure without permission with the intent to steal. Burglary often happens outside of business hours, with one study finding that 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. is the most common time for burglary.
Robbery: Robbery is the most dangerous type of theft and carries the harshest criminal penalties. It happens when someone takes something by force, threat of force, or uses fear to scare a victim.
Risk of Theft in Business
Retail Stores & Malls
Unsurprisingly, standalone retail stores and malls are most at risk for theft. These locations often feature high-value items, and they may not have adequate security to prevent theft. Store owners may not have the budget for security guards and may not realize that security systems can be an affordable alternative. Retail theft is rampant and will likely only worsen over the next few years.
Banks
Banks usually have a high level of security — locked safes, security cameras, and security guards. But they also have a large amount of cash on hand, which can cause the most brazen thieves to take their chances and commit robberies. In Florida, armed robbers face up to 30 years in prison, but a stiff prison sentence may not be enough to stop someone who is determined to steal.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are also frequent targets for theft. These locations are often open 24 hours a day, so thieves can strike when the store is mostly empty. Additionally, they may not be adequately staffed, and a convenience store worker busy helping a customer may miss a shoplifter. Convenience stores in rural areas are especially vulnerable — thieves may take advantage of the low traffic and increased police response time.
Jewelers
Jewelry stores often display expensive rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces to entice customers — but they can also appeal to criminals. Last year, a Miami-area jewelry store lost $1,000,000 worth of goods in a daring heist. Jewelers also face a risk of smash-and-grab crime, where a thief smashes the glass on a jewelry display and steals as much as they can carry.
If you own one of the business types that’s most at risk, you may wonder where to go from here. Did you know that more than half of thieves are deterred by security cameras, greatly reducing your chance of being stolen from? integrated Security Consultants is a Tampa-based electronic security firm specializing in security cameras, access control systems, security alarms, and more. Contact us online or call 813-254-0033 for a free, no-obligation quote.