SecurityWise: Risk management as we return back to business

29 Mar 2021

Ahead of non-essential retailers in the UK, including jewellers, being allowed to reopen from 12 April, James Sweeney from TH March recaps reminders on security matters as jewellers look to prepare to reopen and get back to business.

Risk Assessments

Written risk assessments should be reviewed and updated with a specific focus on COVID-19 and the necessary measures implemented to comply with changing social distancing requirements. Points to consider could include the provision of hygiene equipment, queuing systems inside and outside the premises and control of staff and customer numbers based on the size of the premises.

Staff shifts and breaks may need to be staggered and personal protective equipment may also need to be provided. Any amended procedures and changes in relevant legislation should be communicated to all staff on a regular basis and recorded in writing. Employees may be feeling understandably anxious at work in these strange times and it will almost certainly help them to feel reassured if it is clear that their wellbeing is at the top of the agenda.

 

Physical security

Adapting the layout of some areas of the premises or changing procedures may increase the risk to staff, customers and the assets of the business. If a controlled access system is not currently in place, this may be an area that needs to be reviewed in order to comply with social distancing measures. Staff and customer safety measures may need to be adapted and it should also be considered where target stock is displayed in retail areas and relocated as necessary.

 

Procedures and protections

Opening and closing procedures are of vital importance for the safety of employees but this is an area that shouldn’t be affected by social distancing rules, as a good procedure will involve one member of staff opening the premises whilst others observe from a distance. There should be an agreed signal so that the observing staff members are able to safely approach the premises. The staff member initially opening the premises should not hold keys or codes to the safes.

Even if legislation changes in the coming months, the wearing of face coverings is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, which unfortunately provides criminals with an easy method for concealing their identity. It would not be unreasonable to ask a customer to briefly lower their face covering in view of a CCTV camera before being granted access to the premises.

Police resources will no doubt continue to be stretched and this could result in a delay in attending the premises in the event of an Intruder Alarm activation, especially at night. Staff keyholders should carry Portable Personal Attack alarms and/or Lone Worker devices where possible and should always avoid attending the premises on their own. Professional keyholding services are readily available providing guards to attend the premises when the alarm is activated. For the vast majority of Intruder Alarm systems, Police Response is only triggered when two separate items of detection equipment are activated. If an intruder gains access to an area containing a single movement detector and remains in that area, only the nominated keyholders will be called which could result in staff attending and finding an intruder ‘lying in
wait’.

As you may have seen within recent Safergems alerts, there have been over 50 ‘hole in the wall’ burglaries since 2018 affecting the trade, many of which involved gaining access by attacking walls and ceilings from adjoining premises. It is therefore a good time to review the positioning of intruder alarm equipment, to help ensure that a burglary attempt is detected early. The installation of social distancing screens may have affected the detection capability of some equipment so it may be worth asking your Intruder Alarm supplier to carry out a fresh review of the system layout.

 

Insurance

As some revised procedures may result in a reduction in agreed security levels, we strongly recommend seeking advice from your insurance broker or insurer.

You may also find that your insurance requirements are changing, and a further review may be required. We have seen an increase in clients accepting online payments for 'click and collect' purchases and with an increase in remote access to computer or EPOS systems this may increase your exposure to Cyber-crime. A comprehensive Cyber insurance policy can provide protection for a variety of risks including data breaches, theft of bank funds and the transmission of computer viruses to third parties.

Also, if the premises remain closed or are closed again due to further restrictions, you should be aware that your policy may contain specific terms and conditions relating to the premises being unoccupied. Again, if you are in any doubt you should talk to your insurance broker or insurer.

TH March is able to provide extensive guidance on insurance and risk management topics having looked after the needs of the jewellery trade for over 133 years.

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Source: The National Association of Jewellers