Are you being cased? Know the signs and learn to record suspicious incidents

by jacquie_dealmeida | December 1, 2015 9:00 am

By David J. Sexton

[1]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?

What to look for

After a robbery has occurred, associates frequently recall suspicious individuals who may have been observed in the store prior to the loss. We’ve seen time and time again associates recollecting individuals who displayed certain curious characteristics and behaviour that may have indicated a crime was about to be committed. When associates have a feeling something about an individual is not right, it is important they trust their instincts accordingly. Here are 10 red flags to watch for regarding suspicious behaviour:

1) Is the person talking on a cell phone?
2) Is the person wearing sunglasses?
3) Is the person wearing a hat pulled low over their eyes or a hoodie?
4) Is the person wearing inappropriate clothing for the season?
5) Are three or more people entering the store together?
6) Is the person placing large or bulky items on the showcase, presentation pad, or mirror?
7) Is the person asking unusual questions, particularly about security, hours, or schedules, or looking with keen interest at your cameras or security equipment?
8) Is the person asking to see the most expensive watch or jewellery item in the store?
9) Does it appear the person is making hand signals or other gestures to communicate with someone else?
10) Is the person walking around the store with their hands in their pockets to avoid touching anything that would leave fingerprints?

Whenever you or an associate encounters any of this behaviour, it is important to share concerns with other members of the team. In addition, documenting this potential ‘casing’ intelligence activity in a suspicious incident log helps to record, share, and track these occurrences amongst staff.

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.

Do not resist

Identifying casing behaviour and consistently observing sound security procedures can make your jewellery operation a safer environment for you, your associates, and customers. Should a casing incident ever escalate into an actual robbery, it is essential that no one resist. Co-operate with the instructions given by the robber to get them out of your store. As soon as they leave, lock the door and call police.

Enhance your store’s casing awareness today by requesting your complimentary suspicious incident logbook from Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. Fill out the online form or call (800) 558-6411. For a video to share with your staff on identifying and recording suspicious incidents, visit youtube.ca/jewelersmutual[2].

For training resources regarding safety and security when carrying or working with jewellery, visit JM University at JewelersMutual.com. Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company is the only company specializing exclusively in jewellery insurance in the United States and Canada. It is licensed in all 50 U.S. states “¨and Canada. David J. Sexton, CPCU, is vice-president of loss prevention consulting at Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., in the United States. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Sexton serves on the Underwriters’ Laboratories’ (UL) Security Systems Council, where he is a corporate member of the insurance category. He also sits on the board of directors for Jewellers Vigilance Canada (JVC), and worked on the Central Station Alarm Association’s (CSAA’s) Insurance Liaison Committee that assisted in the development of the UL burglar alarm modular certificate program and revised UL standard. Comments and questions can be sent to lossprevention@jminsure.com[3].

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/features/are-you-being-cased/

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