Door & security hardware solutions to reduce retail theft
Preventing retail theft can be a difficult task. Many security techniques can be employed to reduce the risk of visitors or staff from removing inventory without payment.
Unattended exit doors are a common location that thieves target. Staff members have been known to place goods outside these doors for collection at a later time or by an accomplice. Unscrupulous visitors use exit doors to avoid detection by cashiers or other employees.
Choosing an exit alarm option based on building code
Depending on local building codes a delayed egress exit system may be an option for emergency exit doors. A delayed egress system can include a magnetic lock that prevents the door from opening, or the locking mechanism may be built into the exit device. In either case the user is prevented from exiting for 15 seconds when the system is armed. During the delay process a loud alarm will be sounding to scare away or deter a thief. Signage is installed on the door indicating that the exit is for emergency purposes only and that opening it will cause an alarm to sound.
In areas where a delayed egress system is not allowed by building code, door alarms can also provide a strong deterrent. As with the delayed egress systems, exit alarm products typically include a sign for the door indicating that an alarm will sound if the door is opened. The exit alarm can be integrated into the exit device or it can be a separate component for retrofit applications.
Many models of delayed egress systems and exit alarms incorporate relay contacts which can be monitored by external systems. In noisy or remote environments the appropriate personnel can still be notified of violations.
Other options including prop alarms and guard tour systems
Specialized applications exist where an immediate alarm is not required or wanted but where the use of the door must still be controlled. A door prop alarm can be easily mounted near the door allowing free use of the door but controlling how long it may be opened for. If the door is held open longer than the pre-set, allowable time the alarm sounds, signalling for someone to close it. There are also door alarms designed for use on the back door of restaurants which allow a manager to prop the door open for a variable length of time so that deliveries can be made or garbage can be taken out. If the door does not close before the time elapses the alarm sounds.
Along with door alarms, monitoring of door security by staff or security guards will help ensure doors are closed and locked. Guard-tour products provide the ability to track and record the movements of staff or security guards, which helps make sure all vulnerable points are checked.
Most of the products discussed above are also available in outdoor rated versions since many facilities have exterior sales or storage areas which also need to be protected.
For more information or for help designing a loss prevention hardware system please contact your local K.M. Thomas representative.
John Kalnay, EHC
K.M. Thomas Company Ltd.
Email: john.k@kmthomas.com
Toll Free: 1-888-383-4105
