Risk Management
05/09/2009 Dramatic Increase in robberies on Jewellery Businesses - Assess and identify your weaknesses
Risk Assessment - Identify your weaknesses and take preventative actions
There has been a dramatic increase in robberies and attacks on Jewellers in the last 6 months which is undoubtedly symptomatic of the times.
We believe there are many reasons for the compounding attacks on jewellery businesses; it’s not just the recession but also that criminals are quick to spot an opportunity.
The high gold price (partially due to the weakness of sterling) has undoubtedly been a catalyst because the attraction is greater and precious metals can be easily realised. Gold buying activities are at historically high levels which makes it easier for large volumes to be shifted with less ability to trace its origin.
Understandably this is a catalyst for the many attacks occurring - not just the well publicised robberies on three Midlands’s jewellery factories where the gangs have used the same modus operandi and held up the companies as they were opening the premise early morning… but also many others.
For years we have urged the trade to adopt and stick to strict opening and closing procedures because experience tells us they are extremely vulnerable at these times.
All kinds of robberies are currently taking place and whatever type of jewellery business you operate it will have pre-determined weaknesses or an area of high risk due to its nature.
Every Jeweller needs to recognise and identify its area of high risk and take steps to minimise loss.
For example consider the following target risk categories:
Listed below are the most common types of robbery and some preventative measures for you to consider.
Security equipment is becoming more complex and careful planning is required so that it will both protect your staff and deter thieves. For example “fog machines” are designed to drive thieves out of your premises (thus reducing loss) and so its very important to ensure that controlled entry/exit doors are to be set up to allow thieves to exit.
When it comes to security training and awareness programs formulate templates for different scenarios such as a Hold Up at opening or closing time; when you are trading; smash and grab; summoning assistance or extra staff when needed; “action” words or phases.
Basically try to cover all the scenarios and rehearse or practise them so that your staff are prepared and have a routines to follow.
Type of Robbery
Hold Up’s when Opening or Closing the premises
If you have not done so already ensure your employees are familiar with your opening and closing procedures.
This should never be done alone and a strict procedure can deter thieves from attempting to rob you and protect your staff from injury
Such a procedures document is enclosed and additional copies can be obtained from us/is available from www.gjis.co.uk
Robberies with violence or threatening behaviour when you are trading
Good or high staffing levels will deter thieves and some locations will have to consider some or all of the following additional security aids
CCTV and recording
Fog making machines
Controlled door entry – single or even lobby style entrances can offer enhancement and make customers feel secure.
Smartwater
Consider installing a “fog machine” – or even display notices to this effect to deter would be thieves.
Smash and Grab (external)
Higher value window displays need better protection than the standard 11.5mm laminate specification.
There is now a European Standard for Security Glazing - BS EN 356 - and in this standard there are three security grades applicable for jewellery display windows where high value jewellery is shown – grades P6B, P7B and P8B.
For your information it takes about 7 or 8 blows with an axe and sledgehammer to make a hand hole through 11.5/13.5 mm laminated anti-bandit glass which has been used in most jewellery shop windows in the past. This type of attack takes about 12-15 seconds so that there is very little chance of the thieves being caught unless police are in the area
Therefore higher risk locations should consider Glass with a polycarbonate interlayer for their display windows however this is only available in smaller sizes – thus there are serious design implications to consider – having due regard for the shop location – e.g., shopping centres are generally regarded as lower risk than the traditional “High Street”
Smash and Grab (Internal attack)
The nature of retailing is to display high values in the windows. External display window glazing (of the correct specification) can make it difficult for thieves to perform a smash and grab raid therefore it is possible that thieves are likely to enter the shop and resort to the smashing of the locked window backs and showcases. Thus consideration should be given to constructing your internal showcases and window backs in laminated glass, in particular those which contain higher value articles.
Good quality controlled door entry is a must for some locations, due to their high values or bad experiences. All jewellers should have ability to control the door – particularly at opening and closing times when they are particularly at risk.
Consider installing a “fog machine” – or even display notices to this effect to deter would be thieves.
Snatches or Sleight of hand
Good or high staffing levels will deter thieves
Never leave customers alone or allow them to stray towards the door with stock.
Always lock cabinets and remove keys
Never remove too many items from the showcases than you can control.
Well placed CCTV cameras
Be aware of groups or families with children often distraction.
Over dressed costumes
If possible use a private interview room to show higher value articles.
Burglaries
A combination of good physical protection and a compliant Intruder Alarm will provide adequate protection. However if thieves do gain entry and they have time to raid your “out of safe” stock the only way to minimise loss is to ensure that very attractive items are placed away in modern, good quality safe(s) when the likelihood of them being broken into is remote.
If you leave substantial values “out of safe” consider installing a “fog machine” – or even display notices to this effect to deter would be thieves.
Police response to Intruder Alarms has become a very complicated affair because there are thousands of installations protecting premises which are not fully compliant under the new regulations.
New installations have more sophisticated technology and the aim is that ALL intruder alarm systems should eventually be compliant with the higher standard; however this is a gradual process. Meanwhile Police forces will respond to Intruder Alarms, even if they are non compliant, but if a non compliant installation fails due to more than 2 false alarm callouts Police response will not be reinstated until the installation is made compliant with the current standards. Generally this is tantamount to a new installation.
We have reason to believe the Police react urgently to the more up to date and fully compliant installations but tend to respond with less urgency to the unconfirmed and non compliant installations. This is perhaps understandable if 3 out of 4 turn out to be false alarms due to faulty equipment or similar cause.
There are four Grades of alarm system exist, based on increasing levels of resilience against attack by intruders with anticipated levels of knowledge and tools.
Equipment: (Sensors etc)
Grades are from 1 to 4.
Signalling methods (e.g. RedCARE or Digicom)
Grades from 1 to 4
Ideally Jewellers should be protected by a Grade 3 system (Equipment) which needs to communicate to an Alarm Receiving Centre using Grade 4 signalling which incorporates dual path signalling.
Maintenance contracts are also graded and should be aligned so that you receive 2 site visits per annum.
A compliant and therefore up to date system provides owners and managers with an efficient system with more control and peace of mind and so early preparation for upgrades are highly recommended.
The following points are a general guide intended to encourage good security sense amongst staff at all times.
When followed, these procedures can reduce losses and prevent physical attack on you and your colleagues.
1. When opening or closing the premises follow the agreed procedure using at least two people whenever possible.
2. When pairs of colleagues are opening or closing the premises, split the safe/alarm keys with your partner so that neither of you have both keys.
3. Try to avoid working alone on the premises. If extra hours are necessary, co-ordinate hours of work with colleagues so you are never alone.
4. When about to open, do not admit anybody until ready to commence trading. Never admit strangers outside normal trading hours.
5. When under attack – or in doubt – use the panic buttons. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
6. Retailers
Keep stock out of public reach by locking counters, displays and window enclosure doors.
Never allow customers to view more than one item at a time.
Never display a pad or roll, etc as one item across counters.
Never leave customers alone with stock.
7. Keep safes closed as much as possible during the course of trading.
8. Vary times of visits to the Bank, Assay Office, etc. Avoid routine patterns and ensure that you are accompanied when carrying substantial amounts of money/stock.
9. Do not leave stock or cash unattended in motor vehicles.
10. If you have to take samples or stock home, do not leave it unattended unless the security of your home has been approved by your employers and their Insurers.
11. Whenever deliveries are made to the premises, check the quantities and weights carefully. Note any discrepancies on the documentation before you sign it and report the matter accordingly.
ALWAYS BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR:
1. Suspicious people – especially when opening and closing.
2. Diversions – intended to distract your attention whilst a theft is committed. Thieves often work in pairs or bigger teams employing this tactic.
3. Bogus delivery men, tradesmen, sales representatives, etc.
DO NOT BE EMBARRASSED TO BE CAUTIOUS
