How to Safeguard Your Business Over Long Weekends and Holidays

 

Who doesn’t love a long weekend or extended holiday vacation? Time away from work can be restorative and relaxing and it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. However, you’re not the only one who enjoys a vacation. According to the FBI, thieves prefer holidays because they know people will be away from their homes and businesses.

 

As a business owner, it’s important to keep your business and assets safe from theft and holiday-related crime. Read on to learn about some ways you can deter thieves.

 

Prevent Employee Theft and Promote Employee Safety

 

During the holidays, there is usually an overstock of merchandise because of increased sales volume. The increased inventory along with expected holiday disorganization means employees have more opportunities to steal. Thus, be especially wary of theft.

 

Validate all voided sales, review business return policies, and thoroughly communicate store policies on shoplifting and theft.

 

Many stores hire additional staff to account for busy holiday seasons or weekends. The new hires come with added risk because they haven’t worked for you for very long, and are also more likely to make mistakes. Take extra care during the onboarding process and go over safety details carefully. It may also be worth considering hiring new staff in advance of expected busy times, so they are “broken in” before the busy seasons.

 

Install surveillance cameras to watch employees and customers.

 

Be careful if decorating your business for the holidays. Lights can become a fire hazard if not used properly. Displays that inhibit carts and walkways can also become fire hazards. Make sure any decorations don’t obscure the view of surveillance cameras.

 

Update your security system

 

Shoplifters and opportunists like to take advantage of stores during holiday hours due to the chaos and disorganization. Stealing when the store is busy or when there is little to no employee supervision is common.

 

Be proactive by updating your security system’s automatic features with new holiday hours and any updates from your provider to ensure your business is safe from the moment you leave to the moment of your return.

 

Call Millennium Fire and Security for a consultation of your business security needs.