The true mark of a trade show’s success is take-away value — the amount of practical tips, informative news and insightful perspective attendees can apply when they return to their businesses.
Using that barometer, JCK Las Vegas 2013 was a triumph. Retailers came with specific missions and, thanks to the event’s variety of education, networking and exhibitor products on display, they left with applicable ideas. The event gave jewelry pros direction, not just dialogue.
To keep the momentum going, we connected with the excellent staff at JCK Magazine to discuss important trends they recognized at the event. One of those trends was a higher awareness for security — jewelers need customized ways to keep their valuables secure at all times. They want their pieces to be safe, and they treasure peace of mind.
The magazine, in collaboration with the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, offers Dunbar blog readers these 27 tips for preventing a robbery:
1. Vary your route to and from the store and keep an eye on your rearview mirror to make sure you’re not being followed.
2. Don’t open or close the store alone. While one employee locks or unlocks the door, a second employee should watch from a safe distance that still gives a good view of the door. The second person also should have a mobile phone to call the police if the coworker is confronted.
3. Consider hiring an armed guard when the amount of merchandise — and subsequent risk — increases during special events like trunk shows.
4. Observe the surroundings of the store when you arrive. If a person or car is loitering by the building, or if doors or windows appear open or tampered with, stay out of sight and call police.
5. Don’t let anyone enter the store before you’ve opened or after you’ve closed at night.
6. Verify the identification of delivery drivers and other people who come into your store.
7. Use a buzzer system, doorbell or chime so you know when someone is entering the store.
8. Think twice before installing two locking doors with a vestibule. Armed robbers who are trapped are more likely to shoot their way out.
9. Have at least two employees — three is better — on the floor at all times. The chance of armed robbery goes up with only one person on the floor.
10. Train all associates on how to spot and respond to suspicious people and behavior.
11. Have employees take breaks at different times so a would-be robber won’t know when the store is likely to be the most lightly staffed.
12. Look at and greet all customers who enter your store, and keep a careful eye on those who avoid interacting with you or seem preoccupied.
13. Keep a close watch on groups that come in together, especially if they arrive at an odd hour or seem to be signaling or surreptitiously communicating with one another.
14. Observe anyone who seems to be paying more attention to the details of the premises — like looking for cameras — and staff procedures than the merchandise. Robbers often visit an intended target beforehand to case it.
15. Keep an eye out for individuals or vehicles loitering outside directly in sight of your store.
16. Keep a “suspicious incidents” log book. When an incident raises a red flag, jot down times, dates, descriptions of people or cars, license plate numbers, and anything else you notice.
17. Be proactive and reach out to your local police department. Discuss with them the special problems jewelers encounter and keep them apprised of any suspicious behavior you observe.
18. Install a surveillance camera and recording system. Make some cameras obvious (so would-be crooks know they’re being watched) and others concealed. Consider having a second recorder or storing the video remotely, so a thief can’t take the device and rob you of evidence as well.
19. Use reinforced glass or display cases specially made to resist the force of a smash-and-grab robbery.
20. Don’t leave valuable merchandise in your store window after you close for the day.
21. Don’t show a shopper more than one item at a time; keep their hands in your peripheral vision even if you’re retrieving an item they request.
22. Install a one-way mirror in your store. Even if there’s nobody watching on the other side, a potential robber won’t know that.
23. Have height markers along the doorways so police looking at surveillance footage can determine how tall a robber is.
24. Select a code word or phrase as an alert, so all employees know someone is exhibiting suspicious behavior, but customers won’t be alarmed.
25. Don’t keep all your highest value items in one display case. If they’re scattered throughout the store, then you won’t lose as much in a smash-and-grab.
26. Consider not displaying all your stock of your priciest pieces like diamonds and watches.
27. Make sure your store interior is clearly visible from the street. Limit the number of banners or signs so your employees can see anything suspicious outside and passersby can see inside.
No one wants to contemplate the unpleasant, but prepare a plan of action so all employees know the procedure if a robbery attempt is made. The above tips can help.
Thanks to the organizers of JCK Las Vegas 2013, and to the staff of JCK Magazine, for a great show — and for great perspective on preventing a robbery.
