By David J. Sexton
Most crimes committed against jewellers are preceded by some degree of surveillance or ‘casing,’ as it is commonly known. Criminals want to find out as much information as possible about every aspect of your business, such as your opening and closing procedures, the store’s layout, and security and staffing details. Sometimes this casing takes place immediately before a loss, not giving the jeweller any time to react. In other instances, it can be conducted over a series of days, weeks, and even months prior to the planned attack.
What can a jeweller do to effectively deter criminals who are actively casing their operation? Well, you want to send a powerful message that you and your staff consistently observe and follow sound security procedures to complicate any robbery attempt. Although you may not be able to completely thwart a crime from occurring, you can work toward mitigating your exposure to this kind of loss. For instance, avoid being predictable with regard to your daily observable staffing schedule whenever possible. Simple changes, such as varying your employees’ breaks to avoiding periods of light showroom staffing, can help discourage criminal attacks. Whenever you or your associates leave the store, whether to run an errand during the day or when closing for the evening, be alert to any suspicious individuals or vehicles. It is essential to remain vigilant against the possibility someone could be following you. But how do you identify a suspicious individual?
