The jewelry industry is only one segment of a much larger market that security companies service.
However, the unique threats facing jewelry businesses mean you can’t simply choose basic security guard services and expect to maximize your safety.
Criminals targeting jewelers have become desensitized to the presence of unarmed guards and guards who are not police officers. Certainly, a guard’s presence can help mitigate theft, but the primary concern for jewelers today is smash-and-grab robberies.
During some of these crimes, robbers have actually overpowered and injured the guards who were present. These disturbing scenarios have the potential to continue — and worsen — if additional actions aren’t taken.
To help discourage criminals casing your business or to provide protection during a robbery attempt, consider these eight options for security guard services, in order of preference.
8 Security Guard Service Options
- Police officer — uniformed, armed, active
- Police officer — uniformed, armed, retired
- Police officer — no uniform, armed, active
- Police officer — no uniform, armed, retired
- Security guard — uniformed, armed
- Security guard — no uniform, armed
- Security guard — uniformed, unarmed
- Security Guard — no uniform, unarmed
Even if you have a good working relationship with your local law enforcement, not all municipalities allow their officers to work in the retail environment in any capacity. The police department that serves your area will tell you if its services are available or not.
At the very least, you should still request that police frequently patrol around your store — especially when you’re closed , have reported a suspicious incident, or have recently suffered a loss.
If using the services of a police officer is not an option, private security guard services can still be an effective alternative. While you can trust the credentials of law enforcement, basic requirements for security guards vary by state.
By selecting a reputable security guard service, you can trust that the guards you work with are certified and licensed by the state and comply with necessary requirements. Below are some specific skills that are also recommended.
Recommended Security Guard Skills
- Firearms training
- Evacuation training
- Active shooter training
- Escort training
- Handcuffing techniques
- Certified in CPR
- Taser training
- Pepper spray training
- Baton training
Having an armed guard who possesses additional skills like these may cost extra but, considering the severity of crimes in the jewelry industry, they are well worth the investment. Bold criminals likely may not seem fazed by unarmed guards.
However, the decision to select these services is complex and needs to be addressed under the special circumstances of each jewelry business.
That’s why it’s important to keep in mind that the presence of armed guards is not foolproof — their presence has the potential to escalate violence if the robbers are incredibly brazen.
An insurance agent or broker who is an expert in both insurance and the jewelry industry can help you select security guard services and strengthen other areas of your business’s security plan. Contact a Jewelers Mutual agent today and learn more about the guidance, tools, and resources available to you.