Retail crimes have been continuously increasing in Australia, especially after the government lifted pandemic-related restrictions and a lack of custom retail security solutions. According to Reuters, store theft reports in Australia’s three biggest states—New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland—surged by 23% in 2023.
Besides theft, shoplifting, fraud, employee pilferage, vandalism, and property damage are common in Australian retail environments. So, if you’re a retailer, you must hire professional security guards in Brisbane to protect your store from all sorts of crimes.
QSS is the best option to start from. We have a team of trained retail security guards specialising in crime prevention, mitigation, and management in various retail settings. Our security solutions are customised according to each client’s needs and preferences.
Let’s explore why QSS is a leading Security Brisbane Retail provider.
Understanding the Retail Security Landscape in Brisbane
Retail turnover in Australia has been skyrocketing every year since 2004. In 2023 alone, the total turnover was anywhere around 425 billion AUD.
While this shows how massive the retail landscape in the country is, it also hints towards potential security risks. The statistics agree, too.
According to the 2022 Australia & New Zealand Retail Crime Study, customer theft contributed to 53% of losses for businesses, costing around $415 for each incident on average. Employee theft was the second largest contributor, making up 24% of losses and costing around $1200 on average.
Some other retail security concerns include:
- Shoplifting
- Pickpocketing
- Altercations
- Vandalism and property damage (graffiti or destruction of an asset)
- Trespassing
Retail stores must have robust custom retail security plan to avoid these risks.
The Role of Retail Security Guards
Retail security guards are professionals trained to protect the retail premises, customers, and employees from all sorts of crimes. Their primary responsibilities are:
- Preventing Crimes: Retail security guards are positioned at different locations in a retail store to maintain a visible presence. They also conduct regular patrols and monitor CCTV cameras. This shows people that they are being watched, which helps prevent theft, vandalism, pickpocketing, and more.
- 24/7 Surveillance: Security guards are always on their toes. They have access to surveillance systems, which enables them to monitor suspicious behaviour, potential threats, and unauthorised access to restricted areas.
- Conflict Resolution: Security guards resolve conflicts or disturbances between customers or employees within the retail premises. They de-escalate situations immediately, ensuring that no one gets hurt in the process.
- Emergency Response: Security guards remain vigilant in emergencies such as fires, medical incidents, or criminal activities. They respond quickly and assist in safe evacuations.
Standard Security Measures vs Tailored Security Approaches
Standard security measures are “one-size-fits-all” security practices that almost every retailer uses. These include installing surveillance cameras, assigning uniformed security guards, and adding control measures like door alarms and locks.
On the other hand, tailored security approaches combine the standard practices with additional features that address a specific retailer’s security needs. They customise the security planning according to every retailer.
Custom retail security approaches primarily include:
- Risk assessment of security vulnerabilities specific to the store’s location and layout.
- Specialised training for security guards to address unique security concerns
- Advanced technology integration
- Loss prevention strategies
At QSS, we offer completely tailored security planning to retailers that fulfils their unique security expectations.
Advanced Security Technologies and Innovations
QSS continuously improves and updates its retail security strategies with advanced security technologies. The most notable tech features include:
- Artificial Intelligence-driven (AI) Surveillance: It automatically detects suspicious behaviour and potential crimes and notifies security guards promptly. This promotes proactive intervention to avoid security breaches.
- Mobile Security Applications: These apps allow retailers to access their security information in real-time. They come with live CCTV feeds, security breach alerts, and communication with on-duty security guards. This facilitates better coordination between retail staff and the security team.
- Integrated Security Systems: Our security systems combine multiple security technologies into one place. These include CCTV surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and alarm monitoring systems—all present in a centralised platform. This allows retailers to have a holistic view of their stores.
Implementing a Custom Retail Security Plan
With QSS, implementing tailored security plans is as easy as a breeze. Here is how retail and shopping centre managers can collaborate with QSS to develop a tailored security plan:
- Initial Consultation. It all starts with an initial consultation with QSS retail security guards. Our professionals will discuss your security concerns, objectives, requirements, and information about your retail establishment. These include layout, size, foot traffic patterns, peak shopping times, etc.
- Site Assessment. The next step is site assessment. It includes a detailed walkthrough of the store, a review of floor plans, identification of blind spots or high-risk areas, and an analysis of traffic flow patterns.
- Risk Analysis. Now, our team performs a risk analysis based on the information gathered during the initial consultation and site assessment. This is quite helpful in identifying potential security thefts.
- Customised Security Plan. Our team now develops a customised security plan for the specific needs of a retail establishment. The goal is to mitigate the identified risks with tailored security measures, protocols, and technologies.
- Feedback. Once the security plan is prepared, our team will share it with you for review and feedback. This allows us to adjust the procedure according to your budget and goals.
- Implementation. Finally, we develop an implementation strategy as the security plan gets approved. It includes security guard training, coordination with law enforcement, and communication with stakeholders (if any).
QSS doesn’t stop just here. We continuously monitor the effectiveness of our measures even after implementing the security plan. This helps us make any necessary adjustments or enhancements according to the situation.
Training and Professional Development for Security Guards
QSS understands the importance of training and quality management for retail security guards. Here’s an overview of our training programs:
- Crisis Management Training. It prepares security guards to respond to various emergencies while following the necessary protocols proactively.
- Customer Interaction Training. It helps our security guards develop communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, and de-escalation strategies to manage challenging situations with customers effectively.
- Technological Proficiency Training. It enables security guards to leverage security technologies, such as CCTV surveillance systems, access control systems, alarm monitoring systems, etc.
At QSS, we also prioritise legal compliance and ethical considerations in accordance with Australian laws and standards. So, with us, you don’t have to worry about getting into legal waters at any time!
Contact Us Today
Custom retail security plans allow retailers and shopping centre managers to proactively prevent and mitigate security risks. However, it’s important to hire professionals, or else you may hand over your store to amateurs who don’t even know what they are doing.
At QSS, our retail security guards are well-trained, specialised, and ready to take over any challenge. They are proficient in utilising the latest technologies to protect your retail store around the clock.
Want a customised security solution for your retail business? Contact QSS retail security guards in Brisbane today!