How to stop theft in a small business?

Question

I have a small business, cell phone store to be exact. But recently I have had folks who keep running out with cell phones and other high priced items. I do have security cameras and tape recordings but police take forever comming to the store and by then the criminal is so long gone. How do i protect myself? With a weapon to scare the criminals? Its a small business and I need every dollar I can save to pay back loans. PLease help!!!!

I got some good answers and some not so good. In this case, for those who know or have a small business also know money is hard to come by. Having a security gaurd at all hours is very hard to pay for. That plexi glass sounds good but also expensive. So all i can say is one of those stungun type of devices which disables someone till the police arrives.

Answer 1

lock the goods in glass cases and if ur local law allows get ur sell a pump action shot gun

Answer 2

Here is a fool proof plan: Some retailers have installed two plexi-glass (bulletproof) doors that everyone must pass through to enter or exit. If a thief tries to escape, he is captured between the doors when the anti-theft sensor goes off. This would require each high-value item to have a small magnetic sensor attached. When the would-be thief finds himself locked in-between the two doors, then you call the police and wait for their arrival. If the cost associated with this idea is prohibitive maybe you can modify some part of it for your application.

Answer 3

You MUST attach devices to the phones which will connect them to demo shelves. Also, keep phones in a back room or uner a counter. Also, if you like staying in a back room, install a device that will alert you of someone entering the store so that you can keep tabs on them. If you see them steal, call the police and give a description of the person and (BEST BET) try as hard as you can to read and memorize the license plates of thieves getting away (if they do). GOOD LUCK.

Answer 4

Keep high ticket items in a locked glass case or hanging up behind the counter. Try what Sprint does- have one on display-tied down- and if they like it, they can have you get one from the back. Keep touch with every customer, just saying "still doing okay?" let's them know you're watching them. Hire another part time employee to keep a watchful eye out.

Answer 5

A big Giant guy looking mean at the front door/checks people at random on the way out/sign on front door indicates may be asked to empty purses/bags/and or pockets

Answer 6

Perhaps a security guard to prevent runaways

Answer 7

lock it up in display cases ( ever been to Walmart )

in fact i would have display models without SIMM chips and a big sign saying so

Answer 8

uhmm u could buy like one of those shocker things or maybe have a gun in the store

Answer 9

lock them up and only let the customer see one item at a time while your employees are right there.