Convenience stores are no strangers to crime – including theft, vandalism, robbery, and more.
The ability to prevent theft in retail store locations at this level requires a diligent approach.
To give you an idea, convenience stores account for more than 3 percent of all violent crimes reported, while gas stations account for 2 percent. With long hours, small staff, and valuable inventory – common for most locations – these stores are prime targets for shoplifters – and even internal theft.
There are many security setups available for convenience stores. Access control systems are a key component that adds another layer of defense against crime – both internal and external.
In this post, we want to focus on how these systems can help to reduce retail theft in convenience stores. Let’s dive into it.
What Are Access Control Systems Used for in Retail?
Access control systems are designed to regulate who can/cannot enter specific areas of retail establishments.
Most systems use keycards, PIN pads, and electronic locks to control access. Some of the more advanced systems use biometrics. Access control systems can be customized to fit the unique needs of a convenience store, making sure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas.
Benefits of Access Control Systems in Convenience Stores
Restrict Unauthorized Access
To reiterate, the key benefit of access control systems is the ability to restrict unauthorized people from certain parts of the store – like the room with a cash vault or storage areas. By limiting entry, store owners can prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing valuable inventory or finances.
In cities or areas with higher rates of retail crime, access control systems can be used to prevent unauthorized access to the areas with cash registers, which are usually protected by bulletproof glass.
Monitor Employee Movement
Modern access control systems are equipped to provide a log of who enters and exits different areas of the store.
This capability helps store owners keep track of employee movements. More importantly, they can be used to spot any unusual activity – such as an employee entering the store after hours. If theft occurs, these logs can be reviewed to determine who had access to the affected area at the time of the incident.
Enhance Security During Slow Hours
Many convenience stores operate 24/7, making them vulnerable to theft during late-night hours when fewer employees are on duty.
Certain access control systems can be set up to lock down certain areas of a retail store during off-hours, which can do a lot to reduce the risk of theft. Additionally, these systems can integrate with the store’s alarm systems to provide another layer of security.
How Do Access Control Systems Prevent Theft?
Controlling Entry and Exit Points
According to a 2023 survey by the Loss Prevention Research Council, 88 per cent of retail stores reported that shoplifters have gotten more aggressive and violent than the previous year. This makes the need for sound security systems crucial for shoplifting prevention in small convenience stores.
Limiting the number of access points – and who can access them – makes it easier to control customer movements and deter potential shoplifters. Additionally, convenience stores can use electronic locks to secure doors during non-business hours or times of the day when business is slow to help prevent unauthorized entry.
Secure Storage Areas
Internal threats are a huge issue when it comes to convenience store theft. To give you an idea, a study from Embroker found that 75% of retail employees admitted to stealing from their employer.
Access control systems help reduce this risk by securing storage areas and restricting access to authorized employees only – like owners and managers. Modern systems are built to track employee movements within a store. Knowing that their actions are being monitored can do a lot to deter employee theft or other unauthorized activities. Moreover, it provides a clear record of who accessed these areas and when.
Types of Access Control Systems for Convenience Stores
Keycard Systems
Keycard systems are the most popular choice for convenience stores to prevent shoplifting.
As a cost-effective option, employees are given keycards that grant them access to specific areas of the store. These cards can be easily deactivated if lost or stolen to prevent any unauthorized access. Keycard systems are also relatively easy to install and manage, making them a fantastic option for smaller convenience stores.
PIN Code Systems
PIN code systems are another cost-effective option. They require users to enter a secret code to gain access to the building/restricted areas.
Like key card systems, PIN code systems are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, there are some potential drawbacks. Most prominently, these systems rely on the user keeping their code confidential, which can be a potential security risk if not managed properly. PIN code systems are generally ideal for less critical areas that only need a lower level of security.
Mobile Access
Mobile access systems give employees the ability to use their smartphones as access credentials, which can be easily managed through apps to provide real-time control over access permissions.
This is a modern approach that eliminates the need for physical cards or keys. These systems are super convenient and provide a high level of security, considering today’s smartphones have built-in security features.
Biometric Systems
Biometric systems are more advanced, using unique physical characteristics of employees to grant access. This includes fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans.
These systems offer a much higher level of security than keycards or PIN codes – as this data is near-impossible to duplicate. Biometric systems are more expensive to install than the other options, but they provide superior security measures – and are ideal to protect cash vaults and high-value inventory.
Integrating Access Control with Other Security Systems
Video Surveillance
Integrating access control systems into the store’s security cameras provides a more complete security solution.
For instance, if the access control system detects unauthorized access, it can send a direction to trigger video cameras to start recording. This integration allows store owners to have visual evidence of any incidents, making it easier to identify thieves.
Alarm Systems
Access control systems can also be integrated with the store’s alarm systems. If an unauthorized person attempts to access a restricted area, the alarm system can alert store owners, security personnel, and/or the authorities for an immediate response.
Implementing an Access Control System
Before implementing an access control system, it’s critical to assess the store’s security needs under a microscope.
Store owners need to:
- Identify high-risk areas
- Determine which employees need access to certain areas
- Decide on the level of security required.
When you work with a professional security company, they will help you identify these factors, create a surveillance strategy, and implement the right system.
The Value of Professional Installation
While some access control systems can be implemented without a professional, it’s highly recommended to have an expert make sure everything is set up properly.
For more advanced systems, hiring a team to install and test the system is essential to ensure that it is configured correctly and functions as needed. Additionally, the professionals can provide training for store employees on how to use the system and respond to incidents.
Over to You
Retail theft is a huge problem in the United States – with no sign of slowing down.
Access control systems are a critical tool in preventing crime in convenience stores. By restricting unauthorized access, monitoring employee movements, and integrating with other security systems, access control systems provide a layer of protection that keeps employees, inventory, and other key aspects of a convenience store secure.
Choosing the right system in the retail industry is not always easy. If you’re not sure where to begin, it’s recommended to request a consultation with a local security company.
2 Krew Security and Surveillance specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing access control systems for commercial buildings – with decades of experience in the Pittsburgh and Tri-State area. Get in touch for a quote.
Want to see access control systems in action? Explore our interactive web story on preventing retail theft and learn more.
