Write it down
Suspicious incident logbooks are a low-cost, valuable tool to help keep staff alert and aware of all potential casing situations that may have taken place. After dubious behaviour occurs, be sure to record the date and time, the incident, and a description of the individuals(s) involved.
By dating and timing the incident in the logbook, you will be able to quickly retrieve corresponding surveillance recordings that have captured images of the documented incidents. Keeping records of this sort can be invaluable in an effort to be better prepared, should the individuals return. Be sure to share them with your team, other jewellers in your local crime prevention network, and law enforcement.
Remember the critical importance of having all associates review the logbook entries on a regular basis. Reminders to all staff members help ensure the team remains aware of the repeat ‘customers’ to watch with greater attention, as well as the importance of documenting all suspicious incidents.
Should any individual previously identified as suspicious return, you or your associates need to alert each other immediately. Prepare a keyword or phrase that signals to everyone working a criminal situation may be imminent. Sometimes having one staff member visibly exit the store holding their cell phone can give pause to a would-be criminal. With one associate visible outside the store, they can no longer control the situation and may elect to depart quickly. The staff member outside the store can also scout for a getaway car, note licence plate numbers, observe accomplices in the immediate store vicinity, and call the police to report the suspicious behaviour, if warranted.
Grab-and-run crimes are often preceded by more immediate casing and you and your associates will undoubtedly notice similar suspicious behaviour. Encourage the following with your staff to help prevent grab-and-runs:
* show only one item at a time;
* when showing high-end merchandise, have a second sales associate or a security person stand discreetly on the other side of the showcase;
* if you are suspicious or uncomfortable when a customer requests to see merchandise, tell them you need a supervisor to open and show product from that showcase; and
* to show high-end merchandise, tell the customer your insurance company requires you request to see their identification.
